No plans to become PM, Modi will continue: Nitin Gadkari
In an interview to HT, Union Minister and former BJP President Nitin Gadkari has ruled out his becoming the PM if the party wins in 2019. He also claimed that unlike its perception in media, the Narendra Modi government doesn't centralize power, isn't interfering in public institutions like the judiciary, and wants development for all, irrespective of caste and religion.
On centralization of power and his own independence
Gadkari dismissed concerns that Modi is centralizing decision-making. "Many a times, we have put forth views which are contrary to his view." Talking about his image of being one of the most independent ministers, he said, "If it's true that I can take decision, so can others." He praised Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for their work.
On allegations of BJP compromising public institutions
Questioned about comprising institutions, Gadkari responded, "Which of our own person have we appointed in the EC?" "In the judiciary, according to seniority, judges get appointed to the SC. Isn't the Congress destroying the institution by talking about the CJI the way they did?" "During Indira Gandhi's tenure, the CJI's appointment superseded senior judges of the SC. Have we done anything like this?"
On claims of leaving out Muslims, Dalits and other minorities
The minister said the opposition is using communalism and casteism as tools to attack the government. "Tell me one scheme where we have kept out Dalits or minorities?" "Congress's capital is fear. They are trying to create fear in Dalit and Muslims." "We have ministers from minorities at the Center, UP, J&K and other states. Our definition of secularism is justice for all."
On media's role in building BJP's 'anti-minority' image
"In the media, too, someone with a saffron robe is put on screen; he then says something; and then that is used that to attack us, even though we keep wondering who the person is. There're people who're unhappy that someone from RSS-BJP is PM."
On allies and the opposition
Talking about the opposition uniting against BJP, Gadkari said, "If we were weak, they wouldn't have united." "All (leftists, anti-Hindutva, anti-national forces) never spared us. We had to fight every inch of the way and will do so." About separation with allies like Shiv Sena, he clarified the reasons are "political rather than ideological." He added the RSS "doesn't give direction to the party."
On Rahul Gandhi's wish of becoming the PM
Asked about Rahul Gandhi's comment on becoming the PM, Gadkari joked, "He is a true Gandhian. It was Gandhi-ji's dream that after Independence, Congress should be dissolved. Nehru, Indira, Rajiv, Sonia failed to do it. Now Rahul has taken it upon himself to fulfill Gandhi-ji's dream."
On his own plans in the government
Gadkari asserted that his ministry's targets, "except for roads," have been met. "From 2km of roads getting constructed per day, I said I'll take the target to 40km. I managed to do 28km." Under the Ganga cleaning mission, "Out of 189 projects, 47 have been completed. By March'19, 70-80% will be cleaned." Gadkari dismissed plans of becoming PM. "Our party'll win and Narendra bhai'll become PM."
