Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said the time has arrived for the younger generation to assume greater responsibilities, adding that his involvement in day-to-day social work has reduced in recent years. He made the remarks at an event in Maharashtra’s Nagpur, triggering speculation about whether he could be mulling a reduced role in active politics.
At the event, Minister Gadkari said the responsibilities of public life should gradually be passed on to a new generation, while experienced leaders and stalwarts continue to guide them.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
He was quoted as saying, “Work should be handed over to the new generation. A new generation has come, and the older generation is guiding them,” while explaining that his participation in routine public work had declined.
“Can’t do much social work now”: Minister Gadkari
Reflecting on his three-decade-long participation in public life, Gadkari said he had seen various highs and lows and received numerous awards during his political journey.
He asserted, “I have been continuously working in public life for the last 30 years. I have seen many ups and downs and received many awards... But I can’t do much social work now, the new generation should be given a chance to take this responsibility ahead.”
The remarks have fuelled speculation that the veteran leader attached to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may be signalling his willingness to back off from an active political role or eventually retire. However, the Minister has not made any official announcement about his political future.
Despite shedding light on the need for a generational transition, he underlined that significant development work remained on the Union Government’s agenda.
He went on to say that efforts shall be made to ensure no tribal village in Maharashtra remains deprived of electricity. He also underscored the need for development to be visible across the state.
Gadkari’s remarks follow BJP’s generational shift
Gadkari's remarks come days after the BJP announced a major overhaul to its structure last week since 2015, when Amit Shah was the party’s president.
In the bygone week, the BJP raised the curtain on its new national team under party president Nitin Nabib, Of the 65 members in the new team, 51 have new ones, marking a tremendous generational shift within the organisation.
BJP party symbol
Under the new line-up, 13 of them are national vice presidents, which include Rajasthan’s former Chief Minister (CM) Vasundhara Raje Scindia and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS’) former functionary Ram Madhav.
Former Union Minister Smriti Irani has also made it to the new line up, who assumes the charge of one of the BJP’s eight national general secretaries.