Naidu calls for enlightened debate on larger issues, releases book on Arun Jaitley

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : The Vice President of India M Venkaih Naidu on December 28, 2019, called for an enlightened debate on all larger issues and stressed that dissent has to be expressed in a democratic and non-violent manner. “Constitutional methods and violence do not go together,” he said. Naidu paid rich tributes to former Union Minister Arun Jaitley on his Birth Anniversary  and went down the memory lane recalling his long association with him.

Releasing a book titled, ‘The Renaissance Man-The Many Facets of Arun Jaitley,’ Naidu said that even months after the passing away of his closest friend, he found it difficult to come to terms with the bitter fact that Jaitley was no more. He said, “Whenever there is a need for enlightened debate, Jaitley will be missed.” Describing Jaitley as a thorough gentleman and a man of impeccable integrity, Naidu said that he never compromised on principles and was a staunch opponent of corruption.

Stating that Jaitley was a shining example of a leader with 4Cs – Character, Calibre, Capacity, and Conduct, Naidu expressed concerns that there was a worrisome trend in politics with people bringing in other 4Cs- Caste, Community, Criminality, and Cash. Naidu asked aspiring politicians to emulate these qualities of Jaitley and serve the nation.

Recollecting his association with Jaitley, the Vice President said that Jaitley Ji and he became fellow travellers in the “rough-and-tumble of Indian politics and developed a mutual admiration and respect for each other. Describing Jaitley as “a multi-faceted genius and a powerhouse of knowledge with a sharp analytical mind,”  Naidu recalled his ability to communicate effectively and explain even the most complex matters in a simple, lucid manner. “His frankness was another admirable quality and he never hesitated to call a spade a spade,” he added.

Stating that Jaitley was his go to man for past many decades, the Vice President said that he used to seek Jaitley’s sage counsel whenever needed. Referring to Jaitley’s deft handling of the economy at a critical time, the Vice President said that his persuasive skills and the spirit of camaraderie were in full display to evolve a consensus during the tough negotiations with states for GST.

The Vice President also referred to various measures taken by  Jaitley as Union Finance Minister to ensure that the banking sector did not slip into a deeper morass due to NPAs. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code introduced during his tenure proved to be a revolutionary step, he said.

Naidu said that the book was brought out by his son Muppavarapu Harshavardhan and daughter Deepa Venkat as a token of love and affection for  Arun Jaitley. The book was released in the gracious presence of  Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of late Arun Jaitley, his daughter, and son, according to a PIB release.

Speaker, Lok Sabha, Om Birla, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, Law & Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Chairman Prasar Bharati Board A Surya Prakash, several eminent editors, senior journalists were among the dignitaries present at the event.