Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, addressed allegations of corruption in the electoral bond scheme during the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised for victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Gadkari refrained from commenting directly on the electoral bond scheme due to its pending status in the Supreme Court, asserting that any comment could be construed as contempt of court. However, he countered accusations of corruption within the BJP, particularly regarding donations from infrastructure companies, by highlighting the government’s adherence to e-tendering processes in awarding infrastructure projects. He emphasized that no tender for projects worth ₹25 lakh crores over the past decade was granted without e-tenders, underscoring the transparency, integrity, and quality commitment of the government’s endeavours.
Reflecting on the achievements of his ministry, Gadkari highlighted the significant transition from cycle or hand-drawn rickshaws to e-rickshaws, liberating a million individuals from exploitation. Expressing confidence in the BJP’s electoral prospects, he predicted three “hat tricks”: the BJP securing 400 seats, Narendra Modi serving as Prime Minister for a third term, and himself winning the Nagpur seat for the third time.
While addressing the controversy surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Gadkari reaffirmed the government’s stance, asserting that individuals of Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain faiths who face persecution abroad can seek citizenship in India under constitutional provisions.
Regarding Maharashtra politics, Gadkari indicated that seat-sharing arrangements with the Shiv Sena were nearing finalization, projecting a strong victory for the alliance. He also mentioned Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s resolution to the Maratha reservation issue.
However, Gadkari declined to comment on Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray’s potential alliance with the BJP-Shiv Sena, stating that decisions would be made by party leadership. He dismissed Uddhav Thackeray’s offer of a ticket from the Maharashtra Vikas Agadi (MVA) as “laughable,” reaffirming his allegiance to the BJP and ideological convictions rooted in his upbringing as a Sangh Swayamsevak and ABVP Karyakarta.
Gadkari concluded by expressing pride in his party and ideology, attributing his accomplishments to his affiliations with these organizations.
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