‘Congress synonymous with scandal, BJP stands for good governance’
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways says people have seen the country develop and prosper under the Modi government; he says the Opposition is seeking alliances because it is weak and its leaders are switching over to the BJP
eteran BJP leader and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has been fielded in the Nagpur constituency in Maharashtra. He reiterates the BJP’s poll pitch on development and good administration, and says that many leaders from the Opposition were switching over because they sensed the public support for the party. Excerpts:
VPrime Minister Narendra Modi predicts that the BJP will secure 370 seats and the NDA will exceed 400. Could you break down this forecast and highlight the States where your party expects significant gains?
We want to expand our presence in the southern States. Currently, we have good seats in Telangana; even in Tamil Nadu, our alliance will get a good number of seats. We are not very strong in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
But, in Andhra Pradesh, we are hopeful of getting good seats from our allies. Karnataka, we will maintain our victory in the last election. This time, our performance in South India will be better. Talking about Maharashtra, now we have three forces together (BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar’s NCP), our strength has increased and that’s the reason we’ll get more seats compared with the last election. Tripleengine government in Maharashtra is going to help people politically.
In the Modi administration, is there room for disagreement? Can you share an instance where you and Mr. Modi had differing views, particularly relating to politics in Maharashtra or your department?
Yes, there is. On many occasions, we have a lot of discussions in the Cabinet, and the Prime Minister allows everyone to talk and we share our opinion. Ultimately, being the Prime Minister, it is his discretion to make the decision.
The Opposition says that your party’s politics is Hindutvacentric and there is a notion that the BJP acts as a “washing machine” for political figures. What’s your take on it?
It’s a baseless allegation. Understanding the public pulse, leaders from the Opposition parties want to join the BJP, as the people are with us. They know that this party can make the future of this country better and can fulfil the expectations of this country.
The BJP advocates for a ‘Congressmukt Bharat’, yet now we see it as a ‘Congressyukth party’ [Congress filled party]...
Don’t take the direct meaning of these words. The feeling behind the argument is to bring victory to the BJP for the future of this country. We have already had the experience of the Congress previously and the results were not good, including the problem of unemployment, poverty and poor infrastructure. Today, Congress is synonymous with corruption and scandal, and the BJP with development, administration and good governance.
You’re seen as a “development” man. Do parties win elections on the plank of development?
Absolutely. Look at Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and any northeastern State or any place across the country.
A common man will narrate the success story of development and infrastructure in the country.
You have so far stood out as one of the few leaders to campaign in your own name instead of Mr. Modi’s. What are the key elements you are focusing on when it comes to Nagpur?
Mr. Modi is the leader of our government and the party. J.P. Nadda is the party president.
They are our leaders. We are working and fighting the elections under their leadership. But, in Nagpur, I’m talking to the people as MP and we have completed works of more than ₹1 lakh crore in the last 10 years. It’s my duty to tell the people about the work that I have done as they have elected me.
What role does Nagpur play in the current government? There’s talk of another ‘faction’ controlling the party, making the RSS uneasy.
The RSS never gets involved in politics. The RSS never interferes and when it comes to its ideology, we are doing an excellent job. There are no differences [of opinion] between anyone in the RSS and the party.
In your opinion, is a strong Opposition crucial for a healthy democracy in India?
Survival of the Opposition is important for democracy. Both, the Opposition and the ruling parties are equally important, as it’s a role given by the people. Many times, our party was in the Opposition. The Opposition has the right to criticise the government.
What, in your view, is missing from the INDIA bloc?
When they’re in a weakened state, they seek alliances. However, due to our strength, their attempts to unite are unsuccessful, evidenced by many of their departing from the parties.