Were the Last 11 Years Just a News Reel? Nitin Gadkari on 2029 Elections

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nitin Gadkari believes the last 11 years were a mere news reel.
- He emphasizes his readiness to accept any role for the 2029 elections.
- Gadkari supports the population control bill as an economic necessity.
- He highlights significant progress achieved under the Modi government.
- Gadkari is committed to a 33% reservation for women.
Nagpur, June 21 (NationPress) Union Minister and seasoned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) figure Nitin Gadkari stated on Saturday that the last 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance were merely a news reel, suggesting that the actual film is yet to commence. “The events of the past were just a news reel. The real cinema has yet to start (Abhi Tak Jo hua hain woh to news reel thi. Asli film suru hona aur baki hain),” Gadkari remarked.
In an interview with a Marathi channel, he addressed inquiries regarding his potential involvement in the 2029 general elections.
The former BJP national president emphasized that the party designates roles to its members, affirming, “I will take on any role that the party assigns.”
Gadkari, who has been elected from Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra, for a third consecutive term since 2014, mentioned that he has never circulated his biodata and has never requested extravagant welcome events from supporters at airports.
He expressed a desire to work towards alleviating farmer suicides in Vidarbha.
Recognized for the development of 55 flyovers in Mumbai and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, along with significant road and highway projects nationwide, Gadkari indicated a shift in focus towards agriculture and social initiatives rather than solely on roadworks.
He noted that India’s per capita income is not among the top 10 globally due to population growth. He voiced support for the population control bill, clarifying that it transcends religious or linguistic issues and is fundamentally an economic concern. “Despite significant advancements, the benefits are not apparent due to the rising population,” he remarked.
When questioned about the state BJP's decision to welcome former Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sudhakar Badgujar, despite controversies surrounding his alleged connections to Dawood Ibrahim’s associate, Gadkari stated he was unfamiliar with Badgujar and had never interacted with him.
Nitin Gadkari elaborated on numerous achievements of the PM Modi-led government over the past 11 years since taking office in 2014.
Previously, Gadkari had characterized the last 11 years of PM Modi's administration as “very significant” in the annals of the nation, asserting that accomplishments that eluded the previous 60 years were realized effectively in this period.
He expressed confidence that the nation's logistics costs would decrease to 9 percent by year’s end, potentially enhancing exports and fostering business and industrial growth.
On women's representation, Gadkari declared, “We are committed to providing 33 percent reservation for women and have made a decision to that effect.”