BJP is all set to play its best in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. If it manages to cross the majority mark again, a new history will be scripted. A history of keeping the Congress party out of power for the third consecutive session. But what is cooking in the BJP? What is the plan of the saffron brigade? Union minister Nitin Gadkari speaks on all such issues exclusively on News24 with editor-in-chief Anurradha Prasad.
No candidate against Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur yet? Why so?
They are unable to decide on a candidate, but someone will surely contest. Not that nobody will contest from that seat.
What about the 400+ target of BJP?
I know that I’ll definitely win because I’ve aggressively worked in my area and for my portfolio for all the last three sessions. And BJP is going to do its best in the upcoming elections.
Your name wasn’t on the first list, though it was expected. Why did it happen?
The parliamentary meeting and finalization of candidates happen state-wise. The first meeting happened for Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan so I wasn’t enlisted in the first list which is obvious. When it happened for Maharashtra, in the second meet, my name was declared.
Triple engine govt is running in Maharashtra, isn’t it stretching too much?
Technically, we’ve become a more powerful engine. In Maharashtra, we will win 45 seats.
How sure are you of getting transport ministry again?
Me or whosoever gets this ministry will work for it towards eco-friendly transport. We have been asked to give a roadmap for the coming 100 days for our portfolios, so this is our plan.
Your govt is being accused of targeting opposition leaders by using ED and CBI as tools.
We haven’t used any govt body as a tool. There are raids and pieces of evidence and if anyone finds that wrong or unfair, they may challenge the same in the court.
There have been talks on electoral bonds and the Supreme Court has bashed SBI for further details. What do you have to say about it?
The scheme of electoral bonds was helpful for all the parties and it was implemented with a healthy intention. In many countries, the govt funds the election. I won’t say much on it else it would be contempt of court.
Himanta Biswa Sarma said – You may vote for anyone, it will come to the BJP.
I haven’t read his comment and can’t comment on it without complete information.
Opposition leaders have jumped into BJP and they have been whitewashed now. Allegations on them, as the opposition says, have been wiped out.
They’re joining our party and we’re accepting them because we’re growing but they’re now abiding by our party’s policies.
In Delhi, your ministry has worked a lot and BJP isn’t ruling there.
We’re working on a project of 62,000 crore in Delhi and are further planning to take up another project of 3,000 crore. There are other projects too in the pipeline.
What if AAP takes the credit for the same?
No, the people of Delhi are aware. They know it is our work. NHAI comes under the centre.
Why in Delhi when it’s not your govt? How do you approve finances?
I’ve worked in states irrespective of the govt the state has chosen. I’ve sketched out the budget and we’ve sufficient resources. We work for development and not biases and every state would like development.
From the BJP of Vajpayee to today’s BJP, how do you see it?
BJP is a very powerful party and every president has worked for it. Nadda ji too is working tirelessly for the same.
BJP is blamed for being arrogant today.
BJP is the same and shall remain the same.
Did you tell Amitabh Bachchan how big a fan you are of him?
Yes, and I’m quoting what he said, “We will be remembered for a few decades for our films. But the kind of work you’ve done in Mumbai, Mumbaikars will remember you for 100 years and more. You’ve provided ease to their lives.”
Gadkari further said, “I love to see recipes to pick what I want to eat while traveling. I’ve shared recipes on YouTube and people have made dishes.”
Talking on the blots and accusations that are frequent in politics, he recalled the days when Congress was the ruling party and said, “When I was the party president, Congress had made many allegations but all proved wrong. However, I still feel sad for being accused despite being innocent. That pain shall remain.”
Also read: Kahani Ghar-Ghar Ki? Why Did Sita Soren Quit JMM, Join BJP
