Becoming Prime Minister is not my aim: Nitin Gadkari says he was offered support for PM’s post, but he declined

Nitin Gadkari rejects offer of support for Prime Minister, emphasizes ethics in politics and journalism at awards function.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday (September 14, 2024) said a political leader once offered to support him if he were to enter the race for the Prime Minister's post, but he declined the offer stating that he did not nurse that ambition.

“I remember one incident — I would not name anyone — that person said “if you are going to become Prime Minister, we will support you,” Mr. Gadkari said at a journalism awards function, without specifying when the conversation took place.

Also Read: No interest in being Maharashtra CM: Gadkari

"But, I asked why you should support me, and why should I take your support. To become the Prime Minister is not the aim in my life. I am loyal to my conviction and my organisation, and I am not going to compromise for any post because my conviction is foremost for me," the senior BJP leader added.

In his speech, Mr. Gadkari underlined the importance of ethics in both journalism and politics.

Recalling a meeting with a senior CPI functionary, Mr. Gadkari said he told the communist leader that the late A.B. Bardhan was among the tallest politicians from Nagpur and Vidarbha.

When the leader expressed surprise saying that Mr. Bardhan was an opponent of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS),” Mr. Gadkari said honest Opposition should be respected.