New Delhi: Union minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday attended Rajya Sabha proceedings for the first time after undergoing a renal transplant in May. Mr Jaitley, Leader of the Rajya Sabha, made his maiden appearance during the current session on Thursday and participated in the election for the deputy chairman, and spoke briefly.
Acting finance minister Piyush Goyal said in Lok Sabha that “Jaitleyji is in good health and will soon be resuming his duties”. Mr Goyal was given charge of the finance ministry after Mr Jaitley relinquished the job for health reasons.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha while moving two resolutions regarding his ministry, Mr Goyal said: “I want to inform the House that Arunji is in good health and he shall soon be with us.”
Mr Jatiley, who has been recuperating after surgery, came to the Rajya Sabha on a day the House voted to elect JD(U) member Harivansh as deputy chairman.
Rajya Sabha MPs, including Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, welcomed him back in the House.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed happiness at Mr Jaitley’s presence in the House.
Mr Jaitley, who has kept away from public appearances for almost four months, acknowledged the greetings. He also accompanied Harivansh to the deputy chairman’s designated seat in the House, which is next to that of the Leader of the Opposition.
As soon as the House assembled for the day, members welcomed him with the thumping of desks.
