Nitin Gadkari suggests that individuals who perform commendable tasks often fail to receive acknowledgment or recognition
Nitin Gadkari addressed opportunistic politicians aligning with the ruling BJP as a “decline in ideology.”
Nitin Gadkari commented on politicians who opportunistically maintain ties with the ruling BJP, describing it as a “devolution of ideology.”
At an event in Mumbai honoring parliamentarians for their exceptional contributions, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari remarked on Tuesday that politicians who perform well often lack recognition, while those who engage in misconduct often go unpunished.
Without specifying individuals, Nitin Gadkari humorously remarked, “I often jest that regardless of the political party in power, one constant remains: those who perform commendably seldom receive acknowledgment, while those who engage in misconduct are rarely held accountable.”
Speaking at the event hosted by the Lokmat media group in Mumbai, Gadkari discussed politicians who opportunistically seek affiliation with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), noting that such behavior signifies a “decline in ideology,” which is unfavorable in a democratic context.
The Minister of Road Transport and Highways also noted that while there are leaders who remain unwavering in their ideology, their ranks are steadily decreasing.
“There are individuals who steadfastly uphold their convictions rooted in ideology, but their numbers are dwindling. The degradation of ideology, as we witness, is detrimental to democracy,” he remarked.
Gadkari emphasized, “Our issue lies not in the diversity of opinions during debates and discussions but rather in the scarcity of innovative ideas… We are often portrayed as neither leaning towards the right nor the left but rather as opportunists. This narrative persists, and there is a desire among many to maintain ties with the governing party.”
Gadkari stressed the significance of India being recognized as the world’s largest democracy, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sentiments who regards India as the quintessence of democracy. He remarked, “Due to this unique characteristic, our democratic governance system serves as an exemplary model for the rest of the world.”
Gadkari further commented that although politicians’ time in office may be temporary, it is their lasting contributions to their constituencies that define their respect and legacy in the eyes of the people.
Gadkari on the importance of work by politicians
He emphasized, “While publicity and popularity hold importance, it is their actions for the welfare of the people in their respective constituencies that outweigh mere speeches made in Parliament.”
Gadkari also praised the eloquence of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and expressed his admiration for the demeanor, humility, and character of former Defense Minister George Fernandes. He remarked, “Following Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the person who greatly influenced me was George Fernandes.”
He also praised the late former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, who was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, emphasizing their notable contributions to bolstering the nation’s democracy. Indicating that politicians should draw inspiration from figures like Thakur, Gadkari remarked, “Following his tenure as chief minister, he (Thakur) traveled in an auto-rickshaw, reflecting his humble and modest lifestyle.”
He continued, “Presently, I sense that our democracy is on the verge of becoming remarkably robust after a prolonged period… It is incumbent upon all of us to uphold the honor and prestige of Parliament.”
Winners at the event
During the event, Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor from the Congress party and Rajya Sabha member Sasmit Patra from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) were bestowed with the awards for the best parliamentarians of the year.
Lok Sabha MP Danish Ali, who is currently suspended from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas of the CPI(M) were recognized as the top debutant parliamentarians.
Furthermore, BJP MP Maneka Gandhi and Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav were honored with lifetime achievement awards.
Harshimrat Kaur from the Akali Dal and Saroj Pandey from the BJP received accolades as the best female parliamentarians of the year.
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