Do not aspire to be PM, I am a contented man: Gadkari

March 10, 2018 16:11

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said he does not aspire to be the Prime Minister and is "content" with what he has achieved.

Asked about strained relations of the BJP with allies -- the Telugu Desam Party, Shiv Sena and Akali Dal -- and if he could emerge as a consensus candidate if his party fails to get the required numbers in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he said the BJP would retain power under Narendra Modi's leadership.

"I am contented and not dreaming of becoming the Prime Minister nor do I aspire for it. I am confident that the party has elected Modi and under his leadership alone we will fight and win the 2019 election," the Union minister said at the India Today Conclave.

"I don't see such dreams. I work as per my 'aukaad' and 'haisiyat' (status and capacity). I have not given my photo to anyone, never passed my biodata or put up my cutout anywhere. Nor does anyone come to airport to receive me. I work as per my ability," Gadkari, who holds Transport and Shipping portfolio, said.

He exuded confidence that all allies of the BJP would come together for the next general elections, but parried a specific question on whether the Shiv Sena, which has gone public with its intention of going solo, will be with it, saying there is nothing certain in politics.

Drawing from a popular Marathi phrase, he said even though they might be bickering, it is not possible for the allies to do without the BJP.

Interestingly, the BJP leader also made it clear that even though he loves Maharashtrian culture, he has settled well in New Delhi after initial difficulties and has no intention to return to Mumbai.

-- PTI

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