Gadkari files nomination for Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, calls for strong support for NDA
The Hindu
Nagpur is among five Lok Sabha constituencies in the western State which will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari filed his nomination papers as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra on Wednesday, the last day for filing nominations, and expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance would retain power at the Centre.
Nagpur, home to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, is among five Lok Sabha constituencies in the western State which will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19.
Before submitting his nomination, Mr. Gadkari led a roadshow in the city, joined by the BJP’s State chief Chandrashekar Bawankule, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel. “With the people’s blessings, the NDA government will retain power under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said, while addressing a gathering.
Highlighting his achievements, particularly in Nagpur, the senior BJP leader credited the tireless efforts of party workers, citing infrastructural projects valued at ₹1 lakh crore. He underscored initiatives such as the Multi-Model International Passenger and Cargo Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), which created employment opportunities for the youth, and the construction of roads and flyovers to enhance district infrastructure.
Mr. Gadkari urged citizens to participate actively in the democratic process, advocating for a 75% voter turnout in Nagpur and appealing for a substantial victory margin of five lakh votes.
Having served as the representative for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat for two consecutive terms, the Union Minister recounted his electoral victories, notably triumphing over formidable opponents like seven-time Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar (by over 2.85 lakh votes) and Congress leader Nana Patole (by over 2.16 lakh votes) in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, respectively.
Amol Palekar advocates against pre-censorship in films and theatre, urging the government to protect artists' freedom of expression.
BJP legislators demand release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, threatening protests and border blockade if demands not met.
Odisha loses 790 elephants in a decade, with electrocution as the leading cause of unnatural deaths.
ASI issues notice to halt construction at Arya Akshobhya Teertha Mutt near Rameshwara temple in Shivamogga.
Madurai High Court orders removal of encroachments along Madurai-Dindigul highway, Corporation and Highways Department officials conduct joint operation.
Maharashtra Congress chief initiates signature campaign for return of ballot papers, sparking nationwide debate on EVMs.
Udupi Deputy Commissioner K. Vidyakumari on Wednesday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake periodical maintenance of NH66 without giving room for complaints.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw updates Lok Sabha on Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. shareholding, Goa willing to relinquish.
One dies, eight hospitalised after inhaling HCL fumes at pharma company in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. About 400 litres of HCL leaked from the reactor-cum-receiver tank at Unit-III of the company, which affected nine workers, says Collector. While the condition of six of them is stable, two are on ventilator support. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directs authorities to provide advanced treatment to the victims. Home Minister Anitha expresses anger over repeated such incidents.
Parents and social workers in Thoothukudi request new Anganwadi buildings due to unsafe conditions in current rental buildings.
Delta districts face heavy rainfall, prompting coordinated efforts to mitigate damages, with NDRF teams deployed for rescue operations.