Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s office issued a clarification on Tuesday over his recent remark about handing over responsibility to the younger generation. His office said Gadkari was referring to the social work associated with the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, and not to his political career.
The office clarified that the statement had no connection with politics. Several media reports had linked Gadkari’s remarks to speculation that he might be considering retirement from politics.
What Did Gadkari Say?
Gadkari made the remarks on August 23 in Katol, Pune. 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.”
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 Road Transport and Highways portfolio.
Gadkari’s Speech: Four Key Points
1. ‘My involvement in work has reduced’
Speaking at the Eklavya Single School Teacher-Supervisor Training Class programme in Nagpur on August 23, Gadkari said he was no longer able to work as much as before. He added that his involvement in various activities had now reduced.
2. Message to youngsters: Exercise every morning
Gadkari said he wakes up every morning and spends around two and a half hours exercising and practising pranayama. He advised young people to exercise and practise pranayama for at least 30 minutes every day.
3. Recalled his early days of party work
Gadkari recalled that during his early political days, he and his colleagues would travel by bicycle and scooter for party-related work.
He said an acquaintance owned an Ambassador car. Whenever senior party leaders arrived at the airport, they needed transportation. To ensure that the car could be used for such arrangements, the car owner was eventually made the party president.
What Is the Laxmanrao Mankar Memorial Institution?
The Laxmanrao Mankar Smriti Sanstha is a social organisation based in Nagpur that primarily works in the field of education in tribal and rural areas.
The organisation runs Ekal Vidyalayas. According to the trust’s website, it was established by Nitin Gadkari in memory of Laxmanrao Mankar ‘Guruji’.
Gadkari’s latest remarks were reportedly made in the context of passing on responsibility for the trust’s social activities to the younger generation.
Gadkari Has Faced Retirement Speculation Before
Gadkari’s latest comments have once again triggered speculation about his political retirement. However, his office has now made it clear that the remarks were related to social work and not politics.
Two Instances When Gadkari Fainted at Public Events
December 7, 2018 – Ahmednagar, Maharashtra:
During the convocation ceremony at Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Gadkari suddenly became unsteady and fainted while the national anthem was being played. Then Maharashtra Governor C. Vidyasagar Rao helped him. Doctors examined him, and he recovered shortly afterward. Gadkari later said that he had experienced mild discomfort due to low blood sugar.
April 24, 2024 – Pusad, Yavatmal:
During a Lok Sabha election campaign rally, Gadkari suddenly fainted while delivering a speech and fell on the stage. Security personnel immediately assisted him. He recovered shortly afterward and even completed his speech. Gadkari later said that he had felt uncomfortable because of the intense heat before leaving for his next programme.
Medical History
Medical records have previously reported that Gadkari had Type 2 diabetes and underwent gastric/bariatric surgery in 2011 as part of his treatment. At the time, BJP statements said that controlling his blood sugar had been difficult and that he had also been diagnosed with early-stage diabetic nephropathy.
