“I Don’t Like Attention”

Nitin Gadkari opens up to answer his critics and also discuss his achievements and strengths.

Nitin Gadkari opens up to answer his critics and also discuss his achievements and strengths.

Q Are you reluctant to be the BJP chief?

A I have never wanted to be in the limelight. I don’t like attention to myself. I am not reluctant. I will obey my party’s decision as a disciplined soldier of the party.

Q You talk more about development and less of Hindutva. But the BJP is keen on taking a hardline Hindutva stand.

A I believe in politics for development, politics for socio-economic change and politics for the reconstruction of the nation. For me, my country comes first, then my party and then me. Hindutva is not a religious word. It stands for development. I am of modern thinking. In safeguarding our identity we should not hurt others.

Q It is said that you are not a mass leader, you cannot win elections, and so you are not suited to lead the BJP.

A There is a campaign against me. I do not have to scream and tell the world that I am a mass leader. It is there for everyone to see at the public meetings I address. They are hugely attended. I do not clarify things that are written about me. Someone started saying it and now it has stuck. I am not bothered by such labels. If I was not competent, my party would not consider me for a higher post. I did not lobby in Delhi for any post. Just because I do not want to have my photographs published or my cut-outs lining the streets or people coming to pick me up at the airport does not mean that I am not a mass leader. I do not believe in such shows.

Q The Maharashtra BJP did not gain much in the Lok Sabha or Assembly elections while you were its president.

A This is not true. The BJP has won two seats more than the Shiv Sena and has now got the post of leader of the opposition in the Assembly. This was held by the Sena for a long time. The vote share of the BJP has gone up. It is clear that we have to increase our connection with the marginalised and minority sections of society. We have lost ground with them.

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