Union Minister Nitin Gadkari made a strong appeal to BJP workers in Nagpur on Monday. He urged them to push voter participation to at least seventy-five percent in the upcoming Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections. Gadkari asserted that high turnout would translate into a decisive mandate for the party.
Confidence in BJP's Performance
Addressing a party meeting in Prabhag 16 in Surendra Nagar, Gadkari expressed clear confidence. He said if the BJP achieves seventy-five percent polling, opposition parties will not even come close to their numbers. Many of their candidates will forfeit their deposits. Gadkari also stated the BJP could not only retain control of the civic body but also improve upon its previous tally with increased turnout.
Development Record as Electoral Asset
Speaking at another rally at South Nagpur's Gurudev Nagar, Gadkari linked electoral confidence directly to the party's development record. He argued that visible public works have transformed Nagpur over nearly two decades of BJP rule at the civic level. Responding to criticism and legal challenges faced by some infrastructure projects, including the Futala Fountain, Gadkari offered a pointed remark.
He said opposition is often a byproduct of effective governance. "When you do good work, you face more opposition than when you do bad work," he stated. Gadkari called the litigation around the project part of this larger pattern.
Recalling Past Struggles and Achievements
Drawing on his early political career, Gadkari recalled the prolonged delay in the Inner Ring Road project. When he was a legislator in the 1980s, he raised as many as nineteen objections in the Assembly. Heavy trucks continued to pass through city roads, causing frequent accidents during that period.
The project was completed only after sustained protests and follow-up. It was later fully concretised and improved after Gadkari assumed office as Union minister in 2014.
Announcing New Infrastructure Milestones
Looking ahead, Gadkari announced fresh infrastructure milestones for Nagpur. These include a new drainage network in South Nagpur under the Nag River rejuvenation programme. "I know it is a tough task, but whatever I commit to, I make sure it is delivered," he declared. Gadkari added that the river would eventually be clean enough to allow boat travel from Ambazari to Ambhora.
He also confirmed the ₹1,200-crore Dighori flyover would be inaugurated in March. Gadkari called it one of the most aesthetically designed flyovers in the entire country.
Broader Political Message to Voters
In a broader political message, Gadkari urged voters to reject caste-based narratives. He said leaders such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule and Veer Savarkar should not be viewed through narrow social lenses. "These leaders belong to everyone," Gadkari emphasized, calling for a focus on development and governance instead.
