Rajat Sharma: You were a good lawyer of Supreme Court. Why did you leave your practice worth crores of Rupees for entering into politics?
Arun Jaitley: I don't know whether you are leveling allegations or giving me compliments. When I was in student life, I had two objectives. First was to study and practice law and second was to actively participate in socio-political activities. I became the president of student union in Delhi. I participated in JP movement and went to jail. After that I continued with practicing law as well as working simultaneously for my party. Initially, it was not my wish to aim for any position in politics. But I did justice to both the roles. But then there comes a time in your life where you have to take a call on selecting one out of two options. And I'm not the only one. When the freedom struggle was going on, many people did the same. And there are people in almost every political party who have done the same.
RS: But they were not earning that much. I have made a calculation according to which you could have easily made 300-400 crores in last 5 years had you continued with your law practice.
AJ: I am not worried about that. I chose this alternative life after due deliberation. My experience as a union minister, party office bearer and leader of opposition, perhaps played a bigger role in improvising my personality. And I believe that I could have played a role in law practice but I get a sense of satisfaction from the work that I have done as I got to understand the society, nation and world much better. And I don't repent it.
RS: You might be satisfied but let's talk about your family. I heard you son asked for a BMW sports car and you had promised that. But after leaving the law practice, you asked him to buy a Maruti 800.
AJ: Let me tell you one thing, my family supports me in whatever decision I take. My family including my extended family in Amritsar, they are always with me to support me. They don't have any complaints against my present public life. And I have adequately fulfilled the needs of my family.
