Gadkari Rejects Speculation on Differences with Fadnavis, Highlights Mentor Role
In an exclusive interview, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has firmly dismissed widespread speculation regarding any differences with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Gadkari asserted that he served as Fadnavis' political mentor, personally initiating his entry into politics after meeting his father. He emphasized that there are no conflicts between them, attributing rumors to typical gossip when two prominent leaders hail from the same region.
On BJP's Electoral Prospects and '400 Paar' Slogan
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious call of 'Ab Ki Baar 400 Paar', Gadkari expressed strong confidence in the BJP's performance. He highlighted that public dissatisfaction with the policy paralysis during the Congress-led UPA government prior to 2014 provided the BJP with a significant advantage. Gadkari credited Modi's effective governance as Gujarat Chief Minister for the party's 2014 victory and pointed to developmental achievements as the key to securing another win in 2019.
"Ten years down the line, we can assert that what the BJP has accomplished in a decade, the Congress failed to achieve over the last 60-65 years," Gadkari stated. He believes that the people have reposed immense faith in the Modi government and will re-elect it with a record margin, driven by positivity from a decade of development, confidently predicting the party will cross the 400+ mark.
Ram Temple and Hindutva Politics
When questioned about the potential electoral impact of the Ram Lalla consecration in Ayodhya and aggressive Hindutva politics, Gadkari took a nuanced stance. He frankly advised against politicizing the Ram temple issue, describing it as a matter of faith where people are joyous that their long-held dream has been realized. Gadkari reiterated his aversion to divisive politics based on caste, creed, or religion.
"The temple was mandated by the Supreme Court after a protracted legal battle and people's struggle. It was also included in our manifesto. We are pleased to have fulfilled the wishes of the people," he explained, distancing the issue from electoral calculations.
Clarifying Relations with PM Modi and Party Positions
Gadkari addressed his removal from the BJP's parliamentary board and central election committee in 2022, while Fadnavis was inducted, by stating that he does not feel left out by Prime Minister Modi. He emphasized that he is not a career politician and views politics solely as an instrument for socio-economic reform. Consequently, positions and posts hold no particular charm for him.
"My relations with PM Modi are very cordial. I am a committed BJP worker with conviction, not a politician driven by calculation," Gadkari affirmed, underscoring his dedication to the party's ideology and leadership.
Infrastructure Achievements and Future Plans
Often hailed as the 'highway man of India', Gadkari detailed his ministry's remarkable feat of laying 82,500 kilometers of roads in nine years. He revealed that his team created seven world records in road building and completed projects worth Rs 50 lakh crore without any corruption allegations. When he assumed office in 2014, over 400 projects were stalled due to clearance issues from forests, environment, and railways, alongside sluggish land acquisition.
"We managed to save banks by expediting work and cancelling non-feasible projects, changing the work culture and fast-tracking decision-making," Gadkari noted. He also outlined ambitious plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles, promoting electric alternatives that are expected to become cost-competitive within a few years.
On CAA and Tunnel Collapse Incident
Regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Gadkari defended the legislation as a measure to assist persecuted minorities from neighbouring countries, including Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians, who have no other refuge. He insisted that the law is not discriminatory or targeted against any community.
Concerning the collapse of the Silkyara-Barkot tunnel, attributed by some to faulty digging in fragile Himalayan terrain, Gadkari termed it an unfortunate accident. He stressed that difficult terrain should not halt construction, as roads and tunnels are crucial for national security, enabling swift troop movement to counter threats from hostile nations like China. His ministry is now adopting Swedish technology to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Personal Philosophy and Electoral Strategy
Gadkari reiterated his identity as a grassroots worker and RSS swayamsevak, content with his current role and uninterested in prime ministerial ambitions. He expressed full confidence that the NDA will form the government for a third term under Modi's leadership. On electoral strategy, he prefers focusing on his performance and future proposals rather than criticizing opponents, believing this positive approach generates hope among voters.
When asked about the Supreme Court's directive to the State Bank of India to release donor details to the Election Commission, Gadkari stated that the government will comply with the apex court's decision, acknowledging that elections require funding while noting the scheme was introduced by former finance minister Arun Jaitley to address expenditure caps.
