In a rare display of cross-party appreciation, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari received commendation from an Opposition leader during the Question Hour in Parliament on Wednesday. The incident highlighted a moment of political civility amidst the usual heated debates.
Opposition's Unusual Praise for Gadkari
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, while preparing to ask a question regarding toll collection on roads under repair, began his intervention with a generous compliment directed at Minister Gadkari. Singh stated that Gadkari is widely regarded as the most influential and efficient minister in the Union Cabinet.
The unexpected praise from the Opposition benches drew an immediate and positive reaction. Nitin Gadkari thanked Digvijaya Singh for his kind words. The treasury benches acknowledged the moment with the traditional thumping of desks, a gesture usually reserved for applauding speakers from their own side.
BJP's New Working President Sets His Priorities
In a separate development within the Bharatiya Janata Party, the newly appointed national working president, Nitin Nabin, has commenced his tenure with a clear focus on party workers. Due to a packed schedule, Nabin has not yet been able to meet many senior party leaders, except for a few personal calls.
However, he chose to hold his first official meeting at the party headquarters with the maintenance and operational staff. The meeting was also attended by national general secretaries of the party.
During this interaction, Nitin Nabin conveyed a significant directive to the staff. He instructed them to ensure that BJP workers visiting the party headquarters are given the highest priority, both in terms of access to facilities and the treatment they receive. This move is seen as an effort to strengthen the party's grassroots connect and address the concerns of its cadre directly.
A Glimpse into Political Conduct
These two episodes from Wednesday's political landscape offer contrasting yet insightful glimpses into Indian politics. The first showcases a moment where governance and performance are acknowledged beyond partisan lines, while the second underscores the organizational focus of India's ruling party on its foundational support system—the party workers.
The praise for Gadkari, a minister known for his infrastructural push, from a senior Congress leader is a notable departure from the often adversarial tone of parliamentary proceedings. Simultaneously, Nitin Nabin's initial actions signal an intent to streamline party operations and place a renewed emphasis on internal welfare.
