Nitin Gadkari on political crossovers: As BJP’s crop grows, diseases increase
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Saturday voiced his concerns over the infiltration of ‘tainted’ politicians within the ranks of the BJP as the ruling party continues to grow at a significant pace.
Speaking to Mumbai Tak, the senior BJP leader metaphorically likened the problematic pattern of crossover of “diseased crops” and called for “spraying pesticide” to cleanse the organisation.
“As the crop grows, diseases increase,” the Nagpur MP explained, referring to the rapid expansion of the BJP. “The BJP has a lot of crops, which bring good grains and some diseases as well, so we have to spray pesticides on such diseased crops,” he said.
Further in his conversation, Gadkari stressed the importance of maintaining the BJP’s integrity, particularly as the party witnesses an increase in membership from political crossovers. He also highlighted the need for senior leaders to provide ideological training to new joiners.
“BJP is a party of workers. New people are coming for different reasons. It is our responsibility to train them, impart ideology and make our workers. Our efforts are ongoing. A thousand activists arise, but sometimes one worker says something and the efforts of those thousand workers go in vain,” the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister said.
Gadkari’s remarks came as Maharashtra gears up for its Assembly polls, with the BJP contesting as part of the Mahayuti alliance alongside Shiv Sena (led by Eknath Shinde) and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
GOVERNMENT MUST BE SECULAR
The Union minister also emphasised the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution, saying that the government and administration have to be secular.
“A person can never be secular, but the state, government, and administration have to be secular,” he said.
ADVOCATES POLITICS OF CONVICTION
Discussing the broader political landscape, Gadkari highlighted the value of conviction in governance over opportunistic politics.
“In our country, difference of opinion is not a problem, but lack of thought is a problem,” he said. “Politics of convenience is not important, but the politics of conviction is,” Gadkari added.
GADKARI CONFIDENT IN MAHARASHTRA BJP
Turning to Maharashtra’s political situation and the BJP’s performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where the party’s seat count in the state dropped from 23 to nine, Gadkari expressed confidence in the capabilities of the party’s local leadership.
He assured that while he currently has no formal role in the state, he is available to assist whenever required.
“I have no role in Maharashtra. Leaders here are capable, and they do not currently need my involvement. But whenever they need me, any help will be available,” the former BJP chief said.