Gadkari's Commitment: Integrity Over Prime Ministerial Ambitions

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed that he was once offered backing for a Prime Minister bid but declined, emphasizing his dedication to personal convictions and loyalty to his party. Speaking at a journalism awards function, he stressed the importance of ethics in politics and journalism, and highlighted the need for opposition with honesty.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari disclosed on Saturday that a political leader had once offered to support him for the Prime Minister's position, an offer he refused, citing a lack of personal ambition for the role.

'I recall an incident—I won't name anyone—where a person said, 'if you aim to become Prime Minister, we will support you,' Gadkari said at a journalism awards event. 'But I asked why I should take their support. Becoming Prime Minister is not my life's goal. I am committed to my convictions and my party, and I won't compromise for any post because my principles come first,' the senior BJP leader added.

In his address, Gadkari emphasized the significance of ethics in both journalism and politics. He recounted a conversation with a senior CPI member, where he acknowledged that the late A B Bardhan, despite being an RSS opponent, was one of Nagpur and Vidarbha's foremost politicians. Gadkari asserted that honest opposition warrants respect, while dishonest opposition does not.

'Comrade Bardhan was true to his ideology. Such individuals are rare in today's politics and journalism,' Gadkari said. He further noted that democracy thrives only when its pillars—judiciary, executive, legislature, and media—adhere to ethical standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)