Daijiworld Media Network - Nagpur
Nagpur, Jun 21: Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari on Saturday stirred political buzz with his dramatic statement that the last 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi were merely a “news reel”, and that the “real film” is yet to start.
“Whatever happened till now was just a trailer. The real story is yet to unfold,” Gadkari said during an interview with a Marathi news channel, responding to questions about his future role in the 2029 general elections.
The former BJP national president made it clear that his role in the party is defined by the leadership. “I have never asked for any post. I will take up whatever responsibility the party assigns,” he stated.
Re-elected for a third consecutive term from Nagpur, Gadkari reflected on his political approach, noting that he never publishes his biodata or seeks grand welcomes. He also reiterated his long-standing goal of addressing farmer suicides in Vidarbha, his home region.
Known for his work on infrastructure—especially the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and 55 flyovers in Mumbai—Gadkari said his focus has recently shifted more towards agriculture and social welfare initiatives.
He also weighed in on India’s economic trajectory, arguing that population growth is a key hurdle to rising per capita income. Supporting a population control law, he said, “This is not about religion or language. It’s an economic issue. Despite all the development, its benefits are diluted by the rising population.”
When asked about the BJP's decision to induct Sudhakar Badgujar, a former Shiv Sena (UBT) leader allegedly linked to underworld elements, Gadkari distanced himself from the move, stating, “I don’t know him, and I have never met him.”
Looking back at the Modi government’s performance since 2014, Gadkari hailed the period as transformative:
“These 11 years are historic. What couldn’t be done in six decades of Congress rule has been achieved across sectors under PM Modi’s leadership.”
He also reaffirmed the BJP’s commitment to 33% reservation for women, calling it a major reform initiative already underway.
Gadkari closed on an optimistic note, predicting a significant drop in India’s logistics cost to 9% by year-end—a move he believes will strengthen exports, trade, and industrial growth.