“Nitin Gadkari ji is expressing his heartfelt desire to be on the top chair, using the excuse of opposition parties he is sending a message to Modiji.INDIA alliance has very capable leaders who can lead the country, wouldn’t want to borrow one from BJP. Well played Nitin ji,” said Chaturvedi in a post on X.
During a journalism award function in Nagpur on Saturday, Gadkari had said: “I remember one incident — I would not name anyone — that person said ‘if you are going to become Prime Minister, we will support you.'” He added, “But, I asked why you should support me, and why should I take your support. To become the Prime Minister is not the aim in my life. I am loyal to my conviction and my organisation, and I am not going to compromise for any post because my conviction is foremost for me.”
In his speech, the minister underlined the importance of ethics in both journalism and politics.
Recalling a meeting with a senior CPI functionary, Gadkari said he told the communist leader that late A B Bardhan was among the tallest politicians from Nagpur and Vidarbha.
When the leader expressed surprise saying Bardhan was an opponent of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Gadkari said honest opposition should be respected.
“I said one should respect a person who opposes with honesty, because there is honesty in his opposition…one who opposes with dishonesty deserves no respect,” the BJP leader said.
In political circles, Gadkari is seen as a popular face in the BJP who could be in the race for the top post.
His name was frequently discussed as a potential prime ministerial candidate ahead of the 2014 and 2019 general elections. Having won the Nagpur constituency seat three times, Gadkari continues to be a significant figure within the party.
(With inputs from agencies)