Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur

Nagpur, May 2: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday strongly criticised caste and religion-based politics, asserting that essential commodities like fuel are priced equally for all citizens regardless of faith.

Addressing a Labour Day event in Nagpur, Gadkari said, “The price at which Hindus get gas, petrol and diesel, Muslims also get it at the same price,” underscoring that access to basic necessities does not vary by religion.

Distancing himself from identity-based politics, the minister said he does not engage in caste divisions even though such narratives are prevalent in public discourse. “Outside, people may fight on caste lines, but I do not do that,” he said, adding that such issues offer little real benefit to society.

Taking a swipe at political leaders, Gadkari alleged that many who publicly raise caste slogans behave differently in private. “Many leaders shout slogans about caste, but later approach me seeking tickets for their relatives,” he said, terming such behaviour hypocritical.

In a strongly worded remark, he warned against continuing caste-based politics, stating that he would firmly oppose those promoting such divisions.

His comments come amid recent elections in several states where caste equations and religious narratives have dominated campaign strategies. Gadkari’s remarks stand out for emphasising equal access to public goods and criticising political opportunism linked to identity-based appeals.