Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari (Photo/ANI)
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has shot down all speculations about him replacing Narendra Modi as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) PM face replacing Narendra Modi in 2019. Gadkari's statement has come at a time when media reports claimed that the head of a government organisation in Maharashtra organisation has written to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) that Gadkari be allowed to lead the BJP if the party wants to win 2019 Lok Sabha election and retain power.
"No there is no chance. I am happy where I am right now. I have to complete Ganga work first. I also want to make roads for Chaar Dhams and other works. I am happy doing these works and want to complete it," Gadkari told news agency ANI.
Speaking on BJP's defeat in Assembly elections in three states - Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan - Gadkari said admitted that there a few loopholes and the party will work to cover them up. He expressed confidence of BJP winning the 2019 polls.
"I don't see it as defeat as there was marginal difference in number of seats between BJP and Congress. Whatever were loopholes, we’ll work on them for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. We'll win the polls and Modiji will be PM again," Gadkari said.
'Alliance due to helplessness'
Commenting on Opposition's attempt to stitch in a Grand Alliance or Mahagathbandhan to challenge the BJP in 2019, Gadkari said it was due to 'Modiji's fear' that parties who were against each other have now started to embrace.
"Politics is game of compromises and limitations. When a party knows they can't defeat a party, they form alliance. An alliance isn't formed with happiness, it's due to helplessness. It's fear of Modi ji and BJP that parties who avoided each other are now embracing," the Union minister said.
Responding to a question regarding controversial statements by a few BJP leaders, Gadkari advised them to speak less and speak responsibly.
"There's a spokesperson who has responsibility to speak for party officially, but there are a few people in party (BJP) who when they speak to media, stir controversy. One shouldn't speak such things that lead to controversy; it adversely affects party's image," Nitin Gadkari said.
