When Did Late Arun Jaitley Join Politics?
The Formative Years: Scholar and Activist
Arun Jaitley, a distinguished B Com Graduate from Shriram College of Commerce in Delhi, entered the legal realm and later the political arena shaped by his academic pursuits and social activism. His journey in politics began when he enrolled in the LLB Degree at Delhi University.
During his student days, Jaitley was deeply involved in the politics of his time. He was an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) student leader at Delhi University in the 1970s. He particularly rose to prominence in 1974 as the President of the Students Union of Delhi University. His leadership was tested when the Internal Emergency was declared in 1975–77, during which he faced preventive detention for a period of 19 months.
Political Activism: A Crusader for Integrity
Jaitley's political activism also included being a key figure in a movement against corruption, which began in 1973 in the hands of Raj Narain and Jayaprakash Narayan. Serving as the convenor of the National Committee for Students and Youth, he was a strong supporter and advocate of civil rights. He helped found the PUCL Bulletin with Satish Jha and Smitu Kothari, further cementing his reputation as a leader in the movement for justice and rights.
Transition to the Political Arena
After his release from jail, Jaitley joined the Jan Sangh (later known as the Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP]), where he made a significant impact. In 1977, he became the convenor of the Loktantric Yuva Morcha and was appointed President of the Delhi ABVP. Subsequently, in 1980, he was named the president of the BJP's youth wing and the secretary of the Delhi unit, marking the beginning of his active political career.
Law and Politics: A Legal Mind in Power
Parallel to his political endeavors, Jaitley maintained a robust legal career. Since 1987, he had been practicing law before the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts. In January 1990, he was designated as a Senior Advocate by the Delhi High Court, a testament to his legal prowess. He served as the Additional Solicitor General under the V. P. Singh government in 1989, addressing the Bofors scandal and other significant legal cases.
Jaitley's clientele spanned the political spectrum, representing figures such as Sharad Yadav, Madhavrao Scindia, and L. K. Advani. His contributions to legal literature and his involvement in discussions on law and current affairs at the Indo-British Legal Forum and the United Nations General Assembly further demonstrated his commitment to justice and legal excellence.
A Statesman and Advocate for Justice
Throughout his career, Jaitley's legal and political roles intersected. In 2002, he represented PepsiCo in a significant case before the Supreme Court of India, where he successfully advocated against stiff fines. A year later, in 2003, he appeared on behalf of Coca-Cola in a case at the Rajasthan High Court, once again showcasing his skills in legal advocacy.
As a leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Jaitley prioritized the interests of the nation. Refraining from full-time legal practice in June 2009, he devoted more time to his political duties, continuing to uphold the principles of justice and integrity.