The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, conveyed his optimism regarding the BJP-led NDA's potential to secure more seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He attributed this confidence to the accomplishments of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, which he believes have garnered widespread appreciation among the populace.
During an exclusive interview with NDTV's Editor-in-Chief, Sanjay Pugalia, Gadkari projected India's auto industry to ascend to the pinnacle of global rankings within the next five years. He underscored the industry's current valuation at Rs 12.5 lakh crore, its contribution of 4.5 crore jobs, and its significant GST contribution to both central and state governments.
Reflecting on his tenure, Gadkari highlighted the substantial growth of India's auto sector, ascending from seventh to third place globally, outpacing Japan. He also lauded Maharashtra's governance as a "triple-engine government" and expressed his conviction that their performance would be pivotal in the forthcoming elections.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi's political initiatives in Maharashtra, Gadkari acknowledged the Congress leader's prerogative to advance his party's agenda. However, he dismissed the likelihood of sympathy votes for opposition figures such as Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray.
Asserting his amicable relationships across party lines, Gadkari emphasized the importance of differing political perspectives without fostering personal animosity. Reaffirming his anticipation of increased NDA representation in the Lok Sabha, he cited the government's accomplishment of constructing roads worth Rs 5 lakh crore in Maharashtra, which he believes has resonated positively with the electorate.
Regarding the electoral bonds scheme, Gadkari cautioned against its abolition, arguing that it would inadvertently facilitate the influx of black money into political funding. He defended the scheme's original intent to streamline financial contributions to political parties, lamenting the potential adverse economic repercussions of its annulment.
While refraining from commenting on the Supreme Court's stance on electoral bonds, Gadkari cautioned against the proliferation of illicit funding channels should the scheme be discontinued. He contended that banning electoral bonds would not deter financial inflows but rather drive them underground, perpetuating the issue of unaccounted-for funds in politics.
