Unknown Facts about Arun Jaitley: A Curse of History

Have you heard of Gnotalks? It's not your typical conference; think of it as a glocal noise event that brings some of the brightest minds of the nation to inspire the next generation. Last month, Gnotalks 2019 in NIT Allahabad hosted a remarkable speaker, Padma Bhushan Prabhu Chawla. This article delves into a lesser-known story about Indian political figure, Arun Jaitley, as shared by Chawla in one of his engaging sessions.

Emergency in 1975: A Test of Courage

During the Emergency declared in India in 1975, younger political activists like Arun Jaitley found themselves in dire situations. Back then, police raids were a common occurrence, especially targeting prominent opposition figures. A unique narrative from Prabhu Chawla sheds light on a tense moment when both Chawla and Jaitley witnessed intense police activity on their university grounds.

A Run in with the Law

During a stressful period in 1975, when the authorities were conducting a raid to arrest senior leaders, Arun Jaitley, then a student at Delhi University, sought refuge with Rajat Sharma on the university campus. Chawla recounts a humorous event that occurred during this time. Chawla joked about Jaitley's build, which prevented him from running quickly, but his swift thinking and access to a scooter made the difference:

"Since Jaitley used to be fat, those days, he couldn't run, but since he had a scooter and was active, he could escape from the police."

Jaitley, on the other hand, was more proactive. According to an interview with him, Jaitley courted arrest, asking his companions, Vijay Goel, and Rajat Sharma to disappear. If he managed to escape, he requested a fellow associate, Prabhu Chawla, to meet him with his scooter at a lesser-known entrance. Chawla, however, did not meet the rendezvous as he acquiesced to another request from Balbir Punj and Shriram Khanna to sign the Twenty Point Programme. As a result, Jaitley was jailed and later became a minister, while Chawla shifted to journalism following the Emergency.

Jaitley's Reflection on the Incident

Arun Jaitley, in his interview, recalled the event as a significant moment. He said, 'We learnt that there was a huge police force led by PS Bhinder DIG Range surrounding the whole place, waiting to take us into custody. I announced that I would court arrest, and if I managed to escape, I would request Prabhu Chawla to meet me, along with his scooter, at a little-known side entrance of a university building.' Though he made a temporary escape, Chawla did not show up, hence Jaitley ended up in jail.

Chawla, who was a prominent journalist, reflected on this event, saying, 'Technically, I became the first satyagrahi against Emergency.' This event's aftermath led to a significant shift in Jaitley's political career, whereas Chawla, who left politics in 1977, became a journalist.

The story of Arun Jaitley during the Emergency in 1975 is a testament to the courage and resilience of young activists during challenging times. The event not only highlighted the stark reality of the Emergency period but also showcased the dynamics of comradeship and the impact of personal choices in shaping one's destiny.

Conclusion: Legacy of the Emergency

As we discuss the unknown facts about Arun Jaitley, it's crucial to remember that his actions during the Emergency laid the foundation for his journey in Indian politics. The challenges faced by Jaitley, both personally and professionally, are a part of a broader narrative that continues to shape modern India. The incident serves as a reminder of the profound influence that personal choices can have in the face of adversity.