Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s office issued a clarification on Tuesday regarding his recent remarks about handing over responsibilities to the younger generation. His office said that Gadkari was referring specifically to the social work associated with his trust, and not to his political career.
The clarification came after Gadkari’s remarks were interpreted as a possible indication of his retirement from politics.
What Did Gadkari Say?
Gadkari made the remarks on August 23 in Pune, where he said:
“I cannot work as much as I used to. I did what I could when I was able to. Now responsibility should be handed over to the new generation.”
His office later clarified that the statement had no connection with politics.
‘I Cannot Work as Much as Before’
Speaking at an Eklavya Single School Teacher-Supervisor Training Class programme in Nagpur on August 23, Gadkari said that he was no longer able to work as much as he once did and that his involvement in various activities had reduced.
He said that when he had the ability to work more, he did so, but now the younger generation should gradually take responsibility.
Gadkari’s Message to Youngsters: Exercise Every Morning
Gadkari also spoke about the importance of fitness. He said that he wakes up every morning and spends around two and a half hours exercising and practising pranayama.
He advised young people to spend at least 30 minutes every day exercising and doing pranayama.
Recalled His Early Days in Politics
Gadkari also shared an anecdote from his early political life. He recalled how he used to travel by bicycle and scooter for party work.
He said that at the time, a person known to them owned an Ambassador car. Since senior party leaders needed transportation whenever they arrived at the airport, the party eventually made the car owner its president so that the vehicle could be used for their travel arrangements.
Gadkari Has Been in Politics for Over 37 Years
Nitin Gadkari has been active in politics for more than 37 years and has served as a Cabinet Minister in the Narendra Modi government for the past 12 years. He currently holds the portfolio of Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
2018 Incident: Gadkari Fainted During National Anthem
On December 7, 2018, during the convocation ceremony of Mahatma Phule Agricultural University in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Gadkari suddenly became unsteady and fainted while the national anthem was being played.
Then Maharashtra Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao helped him. Doctors examined Gadkari, and he recovered after some time.
Gadkari later said in a tweet that he had experienced mild discomfort because of low blood sugar.
