The Life and Legacy Of Arun Jaitley

A brilliant lawyer, eloquent parliamentarian, and visionary reformer, Arun Jaitley stood apart for his rare combination of political acumen and human warmth. Whether as the BJP’s master strategist, the nation’s finance minister, or the Opposition’s most articulate voice, he was known for his clarity of thought, persuasive diplomacy and unwavering integrity. His gentle manner and incisive intellect made him the bridge between differing ideologies, a man trusted across party lines.

As finance minister, Jaitley oversaw landmark transformations—most notably the Goods and Services Tax, which unified India into a single common market, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, which reshaped corporate India. Yet, beyond these historic reforms, his enduring legacy lay in his ability to build consensus, inspire respect, and lead with empathy.

In this definitive portrait of one of India’s most influential and admired public figures, Sumant Batra chronicles his journey from a spirited student activist in the 1970s to one of the most powerful voices in Indian politics. Crafting a compelling narrative of intellect, conviction, and grace, Batra brings alive not just the public achievements but also the private warmth of a man who combined political brilliance with personal grace. Insightful and engaging, The Life and Legacy of Arun Jaitley is both a tribute to and a study of a statesman whose life embodied intellect, civility, and an unshakeable commitment to nation-building.

Book Details :-

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Om Books International; Standard Edition (28 December 2025)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 704 pages

Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 kg 650 g

Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 23.4 x 15.6 x 6.5 cm

For all those who know their Anarkali only from Mughal-e-Azam, Sumant Batra’s historical novel is an eye-opening and welcome addition. He sifts through fact and fiction expertly to provide a fascinating portrait of a doomed love.

REKHA BHARDWAJ

SINGER AND SEEKER

SYED NADEEM HUSSAIN CHISHTY KHADIM, KHWAJA SAHAB, AJMER SHARIF Devotees of Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti believe that he intercedes on their behalf to the almighty. Janab Sumant Batra has eloquently articulated Sufism as a paradigm of eumenical tolerance and spiritual transcendence in his book while telling this monumenal story from the sixteenth century.

SYED NADEEM HUSSAIN CHISHTY

KHADIM, KHWAJA SAHAB, AJMER SHARIF

The story of Anarkali is inextricably intertwined with facts and fiction. Even her tomb in Lahore where there is a soul-stirring inscription of Jahangir is shrouded in controversy. Sumant Batra crafts the amazing story of this beautiful and intelligent lady with consummate skill, recreating and weaving a chapter of the Mughal era.

PADMA SHRI K.K. MUHAMMED

AUTHOR, HISTORIAN AND ARCHAEOLOGIST

Is Anarkali fact or fiction? History or myth? Sumant Batra’s evocative rendition paints a portrait of this fascinating figure using a colour palette of legend, history, fiction, and rationale, deftly reimagining this enduring love story.

ASHWIN SANGHI

BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Sumant Batra’s storytelling skills and vivid description of characters, setting, and events could well ignite the imagination for another grand film on Anarkali.

RAHUL RAWAIL

VETERAN FILM-MAKER AND AUTHOR OF RAJ KAPOOR; THE MASTER AT WORK

…Internationally renowned insolvency lawyer…Sumant Batra brings alive the life and legacy of my dear departed friend, the late Shri Arun Jailey in this compelling narrative, aptly entitled The Life and Legacy of Arun Jaitley. This book traces the life and career of one of the most eminent leaders of our times, portraying diverse facets of his personality and dierent phases of his life with authenticity. (From the extract of Foreword)

M. Venkaiah Naidu

Hon'ble Former Vice President of India

I think of Arun Jaitly as a seasoned orchestra conductor: he didn’t just keep the tempo, he co-authored the score, blending nance, law and politics into a single resonant composition. His legacy is like a marble statue and more a living library – pages you can ip through for strategy, empathy. Much has been written about him…. Among all these, the present biography authored by Sumant Batra would stand tallest.

Dr. Justice A.K. Sikri

Former Judge, Supreme Court of India; International Judge, Singapore International Commercial Court

Arun Jaitley belonged to that rare class of leaders whose friendships went beyond politics….He was the ultimate “solution nder.” When ministries clashed, when committees reached dead ends, or when parties hardened their positions, a simple suggestion would circulate: “Talk to Jaitley.” Cricket was another arena where his depth of understanding surprised even the professionals…. Sumant has authoritatively brought out the many dimensions of Arun Jaitley in the book.

Rajeev Shukla

Member of Parliament, Indian National Congress; Member, Congress Working Committee; Vice President, Board of Control for Cricket in India

We have lost a good man in public life, a decent human being, a respected and able lawyer, a witty thinker, a lifelong student of politics, a remarkable communicator, a committed pillar of his party and a close friend to many. A book on a man of such versatility by Sumant Batra, an able professional is most welcome.

Dr. Abhishek Singhvi

Member of Parliament; Member, Congress Working Committee; Eminent Jurist and former Additional Solicitor General of India

Sumant, as always, impresses with both his writing and his choice of subjects... (This) work reects a depth and clarity of thought that resonate profoundly with Jaitley’s own intellectual legacy. It is a work that not only informs but also inspires, reecting the statesman’s enduring imprint on India’s political and economic canvas.

Baijayant Jay Panda

National Vice President, Bharatiya Janata Party

Arun Jaitley Ji possessed a deeply collegial and generous spirit. He was a formidable opponent.. but he always oered grace, genuine wit, and profound respect across the aisle. Even when our political convictions diered, he showed us how to debate ercely and still be friends. Sumant Batra's book is a much-needed tribute to this warm hearted parliamentary veteran.

Supriya Sule

Member of Parliament; Working President, Nationalist Congress Party – Sharad Pawar.

Arun was…..truly a man for all seasons. While his achievements as an astute lawyer and politician are well-known…. few are privy to his personal side. He was taken from us far too soon. Alas! I am glad that Sumant Batra decided to write his biography—a betting tribute to a great man and his even greater legacy.

Mukul Rohatgi

Senior Advocate, former Attorney General of India

….In this well-written and exceptionally well-researched book, Batra brings alive the man and his times.

Sanjeev Sanyal

Economist and Author, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; was Principal Economic Advisor in Ministry of Finance when Arun Jaitley was Finance Minister.

Arun Jaitley’s life comes alive in these pages as both a towering public gure and a deeply human presence. Drawing on research and rare insider vantage, Sumant Batra maps his journey from ery student activist to reformist nance minister who steered GST, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and banking clean-up with calm conviction. This is an intimate, authoritative portrait of a jurist, strategist and consensus-builder whose intellect, civility and warmth reshaped Indian politics and governance.

Amitabh Kant

Ex- G 20 Sherpa, Govt of India;Ex-CEO, NITI Aayog

Capturing the multi-dimensional man (Arun Jaitley)…is a mountain to climb. Sumant Batra scales it armed with knowledge and rare insights…Jaitley comes across larger, warmer, and more human than ever.

Dr Haseeb A Drabu

Economist, Former Finance Minister of Jammu & Kashmir; he worked with Jaitley in the GST Council.

Arun Jaitley Ji was an exceptional cricket administrator, whose deep knowledge and passion for the game were matched only by his commitment to merit… he was approachable, listened to players, and ensured deserving talents like myself could achieve our dreams for India. His contributions were phenomenal, and I am glad Sumant Batra’s book highlights this impactful aspect of his public life.

Virender Sehwag

Former Indian Cricketer

Arun Jaitley left early but left behind a rich legacy of public achievements, legal acumen and political goodwill, and an astonishing circle of friends and well-wishers. Sumant Batra’s book makes a determined eort to capture the big moments and the little details that made Arun Jaitley so unique and so special in every eld and endeavour that he embraced.