Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 27, 2024, New Delhi: In a surprising revelation, veteran BJP leader and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, disclosed that he was offered the position of Prime Minister multiple times. This statement has sparked widespread speculation in national political circles, particularly about Gadkari’s relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his standing within the BJP.
In an interview, Gadkari revealed that offers for the Prime Ministership came both before and after the recent Lok Sabha elections. However, he categorically stated that these offers did not come from within the BJP. “There is no question of deviating from my ideals. I have never had the intention of becoming Prime Minister. I live by my ideology,” Gadkari clarified, reinforcing his commitment to his principles.
The confession has stirred debates about internal rifts within the BJP and whether Gadkari is being seen as a potential rival to Modi. Gadkari’s stature as a seasoned leader and his experience in managing key portfolios, especially infrastructure, have made him an influential figure, and some political analysts believe he has been viewed as a counterbalance to Modi’s dominance within the party.
While Gadkari’s rejection of the offer reflects his loyalty to the BJP’s organizational structure, the timing of his comments has raised eyebrows. The BJP’s performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections was weaker than expected, and during this period, many political observers speculated about a potential shift in leadership. Gadkari’s name was frequently floated as a possible alternative to Modi, with some opposition leaders even showing interest in backing him for the top post in a coalition government.
The tension between Gadkari and Modi has long been a topic of discussion in political circles. Gadkari’s prominence predates Modi’s meteoric rise in the national political scene around 2012-2013. During this period, Modi, along with his close allies Amit Shah and J.P. Nadda, consolidated his leadership within the BJP, marginalizing several senior leaders, including Gadkari. Despite his exclusion from Modi’s inner circle, Gadkari has maintained his influence, particularly in infrastructure development, and his name continues to command respect within the party and beyond.
With his recent remarks, Gadkari has once again underscored his unique position in Indian politics—remaining loyal to his ideology and the BJP, yet commanding a broader appeal that extends even to opposition circles. Whether this will lead to further shifts within the BJP’s power dynamics remains to be seen.