Photographs: Reuters
The Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing for the next round of battle.
It has been a long journey for the 52-year-old Gadkari, from a Sangh swayamsevak, to a student leader to becoming the youngest-ever BJP president.
Gadkari was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the party at a time when the Congress was playing the Rahul Gandhi card, projecting the young leader as the future prime minister and posing a serious challenge to the BJP on the leadership front.
Though an 'outsider' in New Delhi circles, Gadkari is known in the BJP as a clear thinker having a forward-looking vision and as an organiser who knows how to take the party along.
According to Dilip Phadke, a professor of political science in Pune University, "He is a performer and a strict manager. He has maintained a low profile, but has silently performed his duties."
Nitin Gadkari, had an exclusive chat with rediff.com readers on Thursday afternoon, where he discussed a score of issues with our readers, ranging from price rise, Karnataka crisis to 'Rahul charisma' and Ayodhya verdict.
Click NEXT to read the full chat transcript..
'BJP is against terrorists, not minorities'
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters
Nitin Gadkari says, Namaskar, I am here to take your questions now
ROBBY asked, Sir how BJP is going to win the heart of minority, as minority believes that under BJP government they are not safe.
Nitin Gadkari answers, BJP isn't against any minority. We are committed on politics not on the basis of caste creed religion and sex. We are against terrorism and terrorists, and not against minorities.
virgo asked, Hi Nitin, I am from B'lore and I am really furstrated with BJP government in Karnataka. It's not the first time this mess is happening, every 6 months BJP is having issues internally than from opposition party.
According to me there is no decipline among the MLAs and they are here only for money and power. It's real shame for BJP MLA. As we were not happy with Cong and JDS thought BJP will do some good work and take this IT state to new highs in all other fields. But now what we seeing is only corruption and power game. shame shame shame shame......do you have anything to add to this..pls
Nitin Gadkari answers, this kind of politics is started by the Congress party. The government in K'taka is destabilised by JD-S and Congress' money power. Truth is every MLA wants to become a minister but not everyone an become one. I can assure you that the Karnataka government is a popular government and we are committed to give good corruption-free governance.
Bala asked, Hi Nitin, What are your strategies to get Power at center in 2014 elections? How you are going to tackle so called Rahul Charisma? In the current scenario, BJP is lagging behind Cong (At least as per Media's opinion). How would you over come it?
Nitin Gadkari answers, there is no Rahul charisma, Congress is a propriety concern and BJP is a democratic party.. Rahul will have to go through the Bihar ltmus test.
'I don't feel any obstruction from Jaswant Singh'
Photographs: Reuters
Mathews asked, Dear Sir, Any actions from your side to bring back estranged party members like Uma Bhartiji, Kalyan Singhji & Raman Pillaiji of Kerala ? The presence of Jaswant Singji (with due respect) is an obstruction at least in ideological level any solution Sir?
Nitin Gadkari answers, I don't feel any obstruction from Jaswant Singh. We are a democratic party. There will be differences of opinions. As far as getting back estranged members, the decision is pending.
Chinu asked, Since CWG is a success, India seems to have forgotten the issues with corruption. Do u intend to take this up?
Nitin Gadkari answers, in the national interest we have decided not to make any comments till the games end. After the closing ceremony, BJP will take a stand.
vb asked, Nitinji, in near future are there any chances of coalition with MNS as Raj thakrey always praise you as a leader and minister.
Nitin Gadkari answers, Raj Thackery and Uddhav are good friends. As far as alliance is concerned, it is ruled out.
soniaji asked, Nitin, you have been outspoken many times and have embarrassed your party. You use of cheap and filthy language looks so uncivilized.
Nitin Gadkari answers, it is the wrong impression in the minds of the press. I believe my words were wrongly interpreted.
'Ayodhya isn't a political issue, but a national issue'
Photographs: Reuters
paras asked, Sir it seems that BJP has lost its way we don't see any option to congress for next 20 years in India and u need to seriously Re look in same. BJP should have a face as that of Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Nitin Gadkari answers, firstly for the last six months BJP's poll strengths have been increasing -- be it at state level or at municipal corporations right from Gujarat to Daman and Diu. As far as Vajpayee ji is concerned sadly he cannot contribute to the party because of his health. There are younger crop of leaders who are competent.
jinu asked, Gadkari Ji, Do you think that recent Ayodhya verdict is moral boost to BJP to retain pat glory?
Nitin Gadkari answers, I don't want to politicise the verdict. Ayodhya is not a political subject. It is a national issue.
tryee asked, Sir, Tell me in one line what is your over all objective for the betterment of people?
Nitin Gadkari answers, to increase the per capita income and GDP without any discrimination.
'Opposition doesn't mean we will oppose everything'
Photographs: Pawan Kumar/Reuters
dhiraj asked, Ther are no developments in Nagpur and Vidarbha. Sir kuch kijiye
Nitin Gadkari answers, I am not in Nagpur and Vidarbha. I am currently in Delhi. Nagpur is an important city and with the upcoming Vihang project there is scope for better development. As far as Vidarbha is concerned, we have to explore mining possibilities, irrigational facilities, explore the option of tourism among other things.
thanebjp asked, Dear Sir, It has been always said that, there is no more strong opposition left in India. And all opposition is taken over by Congress. Now Congress is here in India long lasting rule. It is evident from nuclear liability bill case, where BJP has been bought over by Congress. We need your comments.
Nitin Gadkari answers, We are a successful opposition party. We succeed in organising Bharat Bandh against price rise. We are taking this issue very seriously. The meaning of opposition party does not mean opposing everything that the ruling party brings up. If the government wants to do something good, we will support it.
'At appropriate time, BJP will decide the fittest PM candidate'
Photographs: Reuters
bizdata asked, Nitinji why don't BJP project Shree Narendra Modi as PM candidate.
Nitin Gadkari answers, at the time of the election in 2014, the highest body in the party will decide who will be the fittest candidate.
ssantosh76 asked, what is your stand on belgaum issue and what steps will you take because its your government there
Nitin Gadkari answers, this issue is related with the central government. When there is a dispute between states the centre or SC should resolve the issue.
b0nd asked, Nitinji, why the BJP party is not helping Swiss government to disclose the name of the account holders? Since BJP being a opposition party?
Nitin Gadkari answers, BJP has a clear policy on it. It is the duty of the government who have Swiss accounts. We are demanding it in the parliament. Now it is time for the government to push the issue.
'We have no dearth of talent'
Photographs: Reuters
sures1979usa asked, After Atal sir, i am not seeing a very strong leaders in BJP. Now advani is getting retired slowly. I am not seeing strong leaders from BJP. what is your thought on this
Nitin Gadkari answers, any leader shows his worth will be given an opportunity. We have no dearth of talent.
mudassir asked, do you agree that BJP is one among the big lot of corrupt political parties prevalent in India
Nitin Gadkari answers, I don't feel it. This is a wrong impression in your mind.
Nitin Gadkari says, thank you very much for joining me for this chat.
Administrator says, Thank you, Mr Gadkari, for coming on Rediff Chat. Thank you all for your participation in the chat and making it a success
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