"The works are being undertaken in all states beyond politics. Mamata Ji from Bengal recently came to meet me, and we discussed some projects. Chief Ministers and other officials from southern states also come to meet me and I hold meetings with all of them, and discuss projects to be undertaken there. It doesn't make us look bad. It makes our government look strong," the Union Minister said.
He said, "Roads go through all states. One state may be governed by Congress another by BJP. That doesn't mean I should shut down the road development works. Roads are for the people of India. And I'm not just a BJP minister but a minister of the Government of India. And being in service for the country's people is my primary duty and responsibility. I will work for those who voted us to power. I will also work for those who didn't give us the mandate and I will also do work for those who criticize us. Everyone's work should be done. This is Bharatiya Janata Party's culture and we work based on that."
AdvertisementThe BJP veteran said that in his 9 years in office, he had done what is good for the people without thought of politics.
"I can assure you that in my 9 years in office, I have not mixed political thoughts with governance. The roads of our country are our assets and the people who travel on these roads are our family. They deserve good roads and proper development. That is our duty, and that is what our politics is intended for," he said.
Mr Gadkari also slammed the opposition for attacking Veer Savarkar and the syllabus revamp. He said that Savarkar was a revolutionary and we cannot forget the sacrifices and work he has done for the nation. "It is not right to deny all that he has done. The party which brought Emergency and kept many revolutionaries locked up in jail does not deserve to comment," he said.
Mr Gadkari also claimed that the BJP will be sweeping the upcoming legislative elections in states as well as the general elections in 2024.
Mr Gadkari is called the Highwayman of India due to the transformational change he has brought in the country's infrastructure and connectivity in the last nine years as minister of road transport and highways.
Mr Gadkari comes from the city of Nagpur where he started his political career as a Karyakarta of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad.
Mr Gadkari is also credited for being the man behind the first ever expressway (Mumbai-Pune) by bringing new technologies into the country and helping private companies to ensure quality work in creating modern infrastructure.
Mr Gadkari is also a strong advocate of sustainable development and his eco-friendly initiatives in road construction have led to the use of garbage in road construction as a raw material.
Before taking charge as union minister, Mr Gadkari donned several hats in the organisation as well as governance and has served as BJP national president from 2009 to 2013 and PWD Minister from 1995-1999 in Maharashtra.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
