The who’s who of Jharkhand’s politics, cutting across party lines, paid tribute to former Union Minister of Law and veteran lawyer Ram Jethmalani after his demise on Sunday. Ninety-six-year-old Jethmalani, known for his political acumen and illustrious career as an advocate, passed away at 7.45am at his residence in New Delhi.
Chief Minister Raghubar Das, in an official statement, condoled Jethmalani’s demise and said that he was one of the veterans of Indian politics and law. “I extend solidarity to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace,” said Das.
Leader of Opposition, Hemant Soren, took to Twitter to express grief over Jethmalani’s demise. “Be it court or the Parliament, Jethmalani ji never failed to express his views and make a difference. The country has lost a fearless and vocal personality,” he tweeted.
Six-time Rajya Sabha member, Jethmalani served as a Union Minister in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA Governments. In 2016, he was elected to the upper house of the Parliament. The seasoned lawyer was elected to both the houses of Parliament with a BJP ticket several times. He was a Minister in former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Cabinet in 1998 and then again in October 1999. However, he quit the Vajpayee Government in July 2000. In 2004, he contested against former Vajpayee from Lucknow.
Former Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (JPCC) President Ajoy Kumar also shared his condolences on social networking website Twitter. “Saddened to hear that veteran lawyer and former Union Law Minister Sri Ram Jethmalani passed away. May his soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda said that Jethmalani was one of a kind personality. “Jethmalani ji was a genius in the truest sense of the term. I am lucky to have met him. Rest in eternal peace, sir,” he said.