The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847">Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in</a> on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS).

Top leaders who were sworn in as cabinet ministers include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ram Vilas Paswan and former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, a surprise pick.

Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sadanand Gowda and Representatives of BJP allies--Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP), Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) who will be a Minister of State (MoS) also took oath.

Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Sushma Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi, are not a part of the new council of ministers, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the new cabinet citing health reasons.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben cheers for him on TV

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The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The first meeting of the new Union Cabinet will take place on Friday at 5:30 pm, a government official said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Council of Ministers were sworn in on Thursday at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha includes 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS). Top leaders who were sworn in as cabinet ministers include Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, DV Sadananda Gowda, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ram Vilas Paswan and former foreign secretary S Jaishankar, a surprise pick. Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sadanand Gowda and Representatives of BJP allies--Ram Vilas Paswan (LJSP), Harsimrat Kaur (Akali Dal), Arvind Sawant (Shiv Sena) and Ramdas Athawale (RPI-A) who will be a Minister of State (MoS) also took oath. Some of the key ministers in the previous Modi government, including Sushma Swaraj, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Maneka Gandhi, are not a part of the new council of ministers, while former finance minister Arun Jaitley opted out of the new cabinet citing health reasons. Watch: PM Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben cheers for him on TV ×

Meeting of new Union Cabinet to be held in Delhi today

In PM's swearing-in ceremony, Nitin Gadkari and Sadananda Gowda takes oath as Union Minister.

Nitin Gadkari and Sadananda Gowda take oath as Union Minister

Known for his administrative prowess and innovative approach in addressing issues, Nitin Jairam Gadkari has been instrumental in pushing infrastructure development and reviving projects stuck for many years.

The 62-year-old senior BJP leader, often dubbed as one of the high performing ministers during the first term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, is expected to be entrusted with key responsibilities in the second term too.

Gadkari Thursday was sworn in as a Cabinet minister but his portfolio is yet to be announced.

He won the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat with a margin of around 2.13 lakh votes by defeating his former party man and now Congress member Nana Patole.

Whether its reviving stuck highway projects worth Rs 3.85 lakh crore or starting cargo shipments on Ganga river, Gadkari has been at the forefront of infrastructure development. Some of the key projects are Eastern Peripheral Expressway and Delhi-Meerut Expressway and Zojila tunnel.

In May 2014, he took charge of the Road Transport, Highways and Shipping ministries. He was also given charge of Water Resoruces, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry from September 3, 2017.

He was also at the helm of Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation ministries from June 4 till November 9, 2014.

Born in 1957 into a middle-class agricultural family in Nagpur, he came to the spotlight for giving his city a new face and was also known as 'flyover man' for building a series of flyovers in Mumbai during his stint as PWD minister in Maharashtra.

Not just during the first term of Modi government, Gadkari had played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

Elected to the Lok Sabha for the second straight term, he had a long inning in Maharashtra politics and was also the youngest BJP president.

In 2014, he was first elected to the Lower House from Nagpur, a traditional Congress stronghold, after defeating seven-time winner Vilas Mutthemwar by a margin of about 3 lakh votes.

He was a member of Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1989 to 2014 and during this time, he served as PWD Minister (1995-1999) and as Maharashtra Legislative Council leader (1999 - 2005).

Gadkari entered politics as a student leader of ABVP and later joined the Janta Yuva Morcha, youth wing of the BJP. The imposition of emergency by Indira Gandhi in June 1975 was a turning point in his life, following which he decided to dedicate his life to social work rather than practising law.

Gadkari studied LLB, MCom and also holds a diploma in business management. He has also penned books, including India Aspires (English), Bhavishya Ka Bharat (Hindi) and The Path of Progress (English).

Among others, he played a leading role in the formation of Laxmanrao Mankar Memorial Trust and took up the work of starting of Ekal Vidyalayas in different parts of Vidarbha region.

Gadkari was also instrumental in setting up the Institute of Village Enterprise Development of Handicraft Artists (VEDHA India), which is working with the bamboo workers from the bamboo producing areas.&nbsp;

Known for his administrative prowess and innovative approach in addressing issues, Nitin Jairam Gadkari has been instrumental in pushing infrastructure development and reviving projects stuck for many years.

Known for his administrative prowess and innovative approach in addressing issues, Nitin Jairam Gadkari has been instrumental in pushing infrastructure development and reviving projects stuck for many years. The 62-year-old senior BJP leader, often dubbed as one of the high performing ministers during the first term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, is expected to be entrusted with key responsibilities in the second term too. Gadkari Thursday was sworn in as a Cabinet minister but his portfolio is yet to be announced. He won the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat with a margin of around 2.13 lakh votes by defeating his former party man and now Congress member Nana Patole. Whether its reviving stuck highway projects worth Rs 3.85 lakh crore or starting cargo shipments on Ganga river, Gadkari has been at the forefront of infrastructure development. Some of the key projects are Eastern Peripheral Expressway and Delhi-Meerut Expressway and Zojila tunnel. In May 2014, he took charge of the Road Transport, Highways and Shipping ministries. He was also given charge of Water Resoruces, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry from September 3, 2017. He was also at the helm of Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and Sanitation ministries from June 4 till November 9, 2014. Born in 1957 into a middle-class agricultural family in Nagpur, he came to the spotlight for giving his city a new face and was also known as 'flyover man' for building a series of flyovers in Mumbai during his stint as PWD minister in Maharashtra. Not just during the first term of Modi government, Gadkari had played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the Mumbai-Pune expressway. Elected to the Lok Sabha for the second straight term, he had a long inning in Maharashtra politics and was also the youngest BJP president. In 2014, he was first elected to the Lower House from Nagpur, a traditional Congress stronghold, after defeating seven-time winner Vilas Mutthemwar by a margin of about 3 lakh votes. He was a member of Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1989 to 2014 and during this time, he served as PWD Minister (1995-1999) and as Maharashtra Legislative Council leader (1999 - 2005). Gadkari entered politics as a student leader of ABVP and later joined the Janta Yuva Morcha, youth wing of the BJP. The imposition of emergency by Indira Gandhi in June 1975 was a turning point in his life, following which he decided to dedicate his life to social work rather than practising law. Gadkari studied LLB, MCom and also holds a diploma in business management. He has also penned books, including India Aspires (English), Bhavishya Ka Bharat (Hindi) and The Path of Progress (English). Among others, he played a leading role in the formation of Laxmanrao Mankar Memorial Trust and took up the work of starting of Ekal Vidyalayas in different parts of Vidarbha region. Gadkari was also instrumental in setting up the Institute of Village Enterprise Development of Handicraft Artists (VEDHA India), which is working with the bamboo workers from the bamboo producing areas.

Known for his performance, Nitin Gadkari likely to have key ministry in Modi 2.0 government

As Narendra Modi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-ushers-in-second-term-as-prime-minister-222608">gets ready to take oath</a> as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in.

According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Swaraj was the high-profile External Affairs Minister in the last government and there was speculation that she might not get a ministerial berth this time around as she did not contest elections citing health grounds.&nbsp;Singh was the Home Minister in the previous tenure of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/will-strive-to-enhance-good-governance-and-transform-lives-pm-modi-222627">Modi government</a>.&nbsp;

The names of probable ministers in the new government are emerging after a meeting between Modi and BJP president Amit Shah met at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM on Thursday morning. Modi and Shah have been brainstorming to decide the contours of the Cabinet after the results were announced on May 23.

Nirmala Sitharaman, who was the defence minister in the last government, has received a call, said sources, and so has BJP leader Jitendra Singh.

Giant slayer and textiles minister Smriti Irani has also received a call and is expected to return to the Modi Cabinet. She wrested Amethi from Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha polls and is likely to get a plum post. Irani has earlier served as Information &amp; Broadcasting and HRD minister.

BJP leader Sadananda Gowda said today that he has also received a call from BJP chief Amit Shah. "I received a call from Amit Shah. He said that I should be there at home office of PM at 5 o'clock and swearing-in ceremony at 7 o'clock. At 5 o'clock, the PM will have tea with cabinet and other ministerial colleagues and then we'll go to Rashtrapati Bhavan to take oath," he told reporters.

Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan are among the allies who have received calls to be part of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for today evening. The other allies to be invited to be part of swearing-in ceremony is Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who was the food processing minister during the previous tenure of the NDA government.

Nitin Gadkari, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Thawar Chand Gehlot, who were serving as ministers in the previous Modi government, have also received calls for today's swearing-in ceremony.

Watch: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out

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Apart from those mentioned above, these leaders have also got invite to be part of the swearing-in ceremony:

Piyush Goyal (BJP) 
Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) 
Prakash Javadekar (BJP) 
Kiren Rijiju (BJP) 
Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal) 
Kishan reddy (BJP) 
Suresh Angadi (BJP) 
Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP) 
Giriraj Singh (BJP) 
Dharmendra Pradhan (BJP) 
Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (BJP) 
Santosh Gangwar (BJP) 
Prahlad Joshi (BJP) 
Babul Supriyo (BJP) 
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (BJP) 
Mansukh Lal Mandaviya (BJP) 
Sanjeev Balyan (BJP) 
Krishan Pal Gurjar (BJP) 
Rao Inderjit Singh (BJP) 
RCP Singh (JDU) 
Som Prakash (BJP) 
VK Singh (BJP)

Modi, along with his Council of Ministers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ahead-of-oath-taking-ceremony-pm-modi-pays-tribute-mahatma-gandhi-vajpayee-visits-national-war-memorial-222611">will take oath</a> as the 15th Prime Minister of India at 7pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy at the function.

President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Myanmar U Win Myint, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, and Thailand's Special Envoy Grisada Boonrach are in the national capital for attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony.

The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov will also be present at the event.

Several overseas friends of BJP from 15 countries, including the US, Australia, Germany, and the UK, have also been invited. Modi has also invited families of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack in February.

As Narendra Modi gets ready to take oath as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in. According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

As Narendra Modi gets ready to take oath as Prime Minister for the second time, the details of his new Council of Ministers are trickling in. According to sources, senior BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have received a call from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Swaraj was the high-profile External Affairs Minister in the last government and there was speculation that she might not get a ministerial berth this time around as she did not contest elections citing health grounds. Singh was the Home Minister in the previous tenure of the Modi government. The names of probable ministers in the new government are emerging after a meeting between Modi and BJP president Amit Shah met at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, the official residence of the PM on Thursday morning. Modi and Shah have been brainstorming to decide the contours of the Cabinet after the results were announced on May 23. Nirmala Sitharaman, who was the defence minister in the last government, has received a call, said sources, and so has BJP leader Jitendra Singh. Giant slayer and textiles minister Smriti Irani has also received a call and is expected to return to the Modi Cabinet. She wrested Amethi from Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha polls and is likely to get a plum post. Irani has earlier served as Information & Broadcasting and HRD minister. BJP leader Sadananda Gowda said today that he has also received a call from BJP chief Amit Shah. "I received a call from Amit Shah. He said that I should be there at home office of PM at 5 o'clock and swearing-in ceremony at 7 o'clock. At 5 o'clock, the PM will have tea with cabinet and other ministerial colleagues and then we'll go to Rashtrapati Bhavan to take oath," he told reporters. Republican Party of India (RPI) chief Ramdas Athawale and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan are among the allies who have received calls to be part of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for today evening. The other allies to be invited to be part of swearing-in ceremony is Harsimrat Kaur Badal, who was the food processing minister during the previous tenure of the NDA government. Nitin Gadkari, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Thawar Chand Gehlot, who were serving as ministers in the previous Modi government, have also received calls for today's swearing-in ceremony. Watch: Names of ministers in Modi's new Cabinet is out Apart from those mentioned above, these leaders have also got invite to be part of the swearing-in ceremony: Piyush Goyal (BJP) Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) Prakash Javadekar (BJP) Kiren Rijiju (BJP) Anupriya Patel (Apna Dal) Kishan reddy (BJP) Suresh Angadi (BJP) Arjun Ram Meghwal (BJP) Giriraj Singh (BJP) Dharmendra Pradhan (BJP) Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (BJP) Santosh Gangwar (BJP) Prahlad Joshi (BJP) Babul Supriyo (BJP) Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (BJP) Mansukh Lal Mandaviya (BJP) Sanjeev Balyan (BJP) Krishan Pal Gurjar (BJP) Rao Inderjit Singh (BJP) RCP Singh (JDU) Som Prakash (BJP) VK Singh (BJP) Modi, along with his Council of Ministers, will take oath as the 15th Prime Minister of India at 7pm in the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy at the function. President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, President of Myanmar U Win Myint, Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli, and Thailand's Special Envoy Grisada Boonrach are in the national capital for attending Modi's swearing-in ceremony. The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sooronbay Jeenbekov will also be present at the event. Several overseas friends of BJP from 15 countries, including the US, Australia, Germany, and the UK, have also been invited. Modi has also invited families of CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama attack in February.

Sushma Swaraj, Smriti Irani, Nitin Gadkari & some allies get calls as Modi gears up to take oath as PM

BJP vice president and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Sunday met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to congratulate him for comfortably winning the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 2,16,009 votes, winning the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 2,16,009 votes.

Singh, the longest-serving chief minister of Chhattisgarh, also presented a beautiful flower bouquet to Gadkari.

Former BJP president Gadkari retained Nagpur seat by defeating Congress candidate Nana Patole.

Gadkari, who had won the Nagpur constituency in 2014, polled 6,60,221 votes.

At present, he is a minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, and River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

Narendra Modi-led NDA swept the elections and won 352 out of 542 seats in the 17th Lok Sabha elections.

As per official numbers, the BJP secured 303 seats, 22 more than its 2014 figures.

On Saturday, an NDA delegation led by BJP president Amit Shah had called on President Ram Nath Kovind and staked claim to form the government. Gadkari was also present in the meeting.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

BJP vice president and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Sunday met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to congratulate him for comfortably winning the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 2,16,009 votes, winning the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 2,16,009 votes.

BJP vice president and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Sunday met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to congratulate him for comfortably winning the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 2,16,009 votes, winning the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat by a margin of 2,16,009 votes. Singh, the longest-serving chief minister of Chhattisgarh, also presented a beautiful flower bouquet to Gadkari. Former BJP president Gadkari retained Nagpur seat by defeating Congress candidate Nana Patole. Gadkari, who had won the Nagpur constituency in 2014, polled 6,60,221 votes. At present, he is a minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, and River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Narendra Modi-led NDA swept the elections and won 352 out of 542 seats in the 17th Lok Sabha elections. As per official numbers, the BJP secured 303 seats, 22 more than its 2014 figures. On Saturday, an NDA delegation led by BJP president Amit Shah had called on President Ram Nath Kovind and staked claim to form the government. Gadkari was also present in the meeting.

Raman Singh meets Nitin Gadkari, extends wishes for retaining Nagpur Lok Sabha seat

Focus on Naidu's failures, breakdown of law and order and corruption in TDP

Jaganmohan Reddy: Andhra's new kingmaker

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Nitin Gadkari says, ''Opposition should never forget its roles for Democracy''

Opposition should never forget its role in democracy: Nitin Gadkari

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Wednesday said while the BJP is concerned about resolving the people's woes, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is worried about how her son and Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the prime minister.

He was addressing a rally at Alirajpur under Ratlam Jhabua Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh.

"We are worried about how people should get power, farmers get right price for their produce, but Sonia ji is worried that how Rahul should become the prime minister," he said.

"In Congress, a prime minister is born to a prime minister, a chief minister to a chief minister, an MP to an MP and an MLA is born to an MLA. There is no existence of a common worker in that party," he said.

Warning Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, he said India will be forced to take a tough decision of stopping its share of water from three common rivers.

He said that when Indira Gandhi became the prime minister, she had promised to remove poverty and the same promise was made by Rajiv Gandhi (former PM) and the Manmohan Singh government under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi.

"But they failed to do so... Now, Rahul Gandhi has been promising to eliminate poverty. Tell me whether the Congress has kept its promise," he asked the gathering.

Although BJP chief Amit Shah was earlier scheduled to address these rallies, his visit was cancelled and Gadkari was deputed in his place.

Polling in Dhar and Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha seats will take place on May 19.

The BJP has fielded GS Damor from Ratlam Jhabua seat against sitting Congress MP Kantilal Bhuria.

In Dhar, the saffron party has fielded Chhatar Singh Darbar against Dinesh Girewal of Congress.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Wednesday said while the BJP is concerned about resolving the people's woes, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is worried about how her son and Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the prime minister.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Wednesday said while the BJP is concerned about resolving the people's woes, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is worried about how her son and Congress president Rahul Gandhi becomes the prime minister. He was addressing a rally at Alirajpur under Ratlam Jhabua Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. "We are worried about how people should get power, farmers get right price for their produce, but Sonia ji is worried that how Rahul should become the prime minister," he said. "In Congress, a prime minister is born to a prime minister, a chief minister to a chief minister, an MP to an MP and an MLA is born to an MLA. There is no existence of a common worker in that party," he said. Warning Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, he said India will be forced to take a tough decision of stopping its share of water from three common rivers. He said that when Indira Gandhi became the prime minister, she had promised to remove poverty and the same promise was made by Rajiv Gandhi (former PM) and the Manmohan Singh government under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi. "But they failed to do so... Now, Rahul Gandhi has been promising to eliminate poverty. Tell me whether the Congress has kept its promise," he asked the gathering. Although BJP chief Amit Shah was earlier scheduled to address these rallies, his visit was cancelled and Gadkari was deputed in his place. Polling in Dhar and Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha seats will take place on May 19. The BJP has fielded GS Damor from Ratlam Jhabua seat against sitting Congress MP Kantilal Bhuria. In Dhar, the saffron party has fielded Chhatar Singh Darbar against Dinesh Girewal of Congress.

BJP concerned about people, Sonia about son's PMship: Nitin Gadkari

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tariffs-will-bring-in-far-more-wealth-to-our-country-than-even-phenomenal-deal-of-traditional-kind-donald-trump-217507">Trump defends latest tariff hike on China, says it 'will bring in far more wealth to US'</a>

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the tariffs on Chinese goods will bring more wealth to America "that even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind". "We have lost 500 billion dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!," his tweet read.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/whether-on-land-sky-or-in-space-will-protect-indians-against-any-threat-to-nation-pm-modi-217481">Whether on land, sky or in space, will protect Indians against any threat to nation: PM Modi&nbsp;</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is bound to protect India and its citizens.&nbsp;

Answering a series of questions during his interaction with media in Haryana's Rohtak, the prime minister said that action will be taken against "any threat to the nation, be it by people or any system".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/we-will-form-the-next-government-2019-will-not-be-1996-nitin-gadkari-to-wion-217517">We will form the next government, 2019 will not be like 1996: Nitin Gadkari to WION</a>

Speaking exclusively to WION, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said that he does not harbour prime ministerial ambition and that he is confident that the BJP will form the next government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/relentless-taliban-violence-casts-a-pall-over-slow-afghan-talks-217529">Relentless Taliban violence casts a pall over 'slow' Afghan talks</a>

Talks with the Taliban on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lankan-court-orders-dna-test-to-verify-death-of-easter-bombings-mastermind-217506">Sri Lankan court orders DNA test to verify death of Easter bombings mastermind</a>

A Sri Lankan court has ordered a DNA test before May 15 to verify the death of Mohamed Cassim Zahran, the ring leader of the local Islamist extremist group NTJ which the government blamed carried out the devastating Easter Sunday bombings killing over 250 people.

Trump defends latest tariff hike on China, says it 'will bring in far more wealth to US' US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the tariffs on Chinese goods will bring more wealth to America "that even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind".

Trump defends latest tariff hike on China, says it 'will bring in far more wealth to US' US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the tariffs on Chinese goods will bring more wealth to America "that even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind". "We have lost 500 billion dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!," his tweet read. Whether on land, sky or in space, will protect Indians against any threat to nation: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party is bound to protect India and its citizens. Answering a series of questions during his interaction with media in Haryana's Rohtak, the prime minister said that action will be taken against "any threat to the nation, be it by people or any system". We will form the next government, 2019 will not be like 1996: Nitin Gadkari to WION Speaking exclusively to WION, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said that he does not harbour prime ministerial ambition and that he is confident that the BJP will form the next government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Relentless Taliban violence casts a pall over 'slow' Afghan talks Talks with the Taliban on ending Afghanistan's war are making steady but slow progress, the chief US envoy involved in the negotiations said on Friday while signalling growing frustration with relentless militant violence. Sri Lankan court orders DNA test to verify death of Easter bombings mastermind A Sri Lankan court has ordered a DNA test before May 15 to verify the death of Mohamed Cassim Zahran, the ring leader of the local Islamist extremist group NTJ which the government blamed carried out the devastating Easter Sunday bombings killing over 250 people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Speaking exclusively to WION, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/congress-has-lost-credibility-to-address-poverty-nitin-gadkari-217288">Union minister Nitin Gadkari</a> said that he does not harbour prime ministerial ambition and that he is confident that the BJP will form the next government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Gadkari also said that the NDA is not a one-man government and every minister has a voice in the decision-making process.

As the Union minister spoke on a host of other issues, he said that 2019 is not an election of regional parties as the polity is divided between the NDA and the UPA.&nbsp;

“2019 is not 1996. Most of the regional parties will take a decision after the results come out and will align with either the NDA or the UPA. The federal front has no future,” he said.

Gadkari also took on the critics on the issue of the government interfering in the work of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He told WION that the RBI is not an autonomous institution as it works within the larger umbrella of the government.&nbsp;

He added that the government has full right to advice and direct the RBI for the benefit of people.&nbsp;

“We are the elected representatives. People will come to us in case of an economic downturn, so it becomes our responsibility to set things right when required,” said Gadkari.

Gadkari also openly defended the candidature of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur who is contesting against Congress' Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat.&nbsp;

He said that Sadhvi has been a victim of a conspiracy hatched by the Congress which had spawned the myth of Hindu terrorism. “She is innocent and will win the elections from Bhopal,” he said.

He also spoke on the farm crisis and said that it is a result of the economic policies of the Congress. He said that the agricultural sector needs a lot of innovation and needs to respond to the new global economy. On the issue subsidy, Gadkari said that subsidy is required as the farm sector is under a tremendous strain.

Downplaying the role of the RSS in the government, Gadkari said that the RSS does not interfere in the work of the government. “It is a wrong perception,” he said.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said that he does not harbour prime ministerial ambition and that he is confident that the BJP will form the next government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said that he does not harbour prime ministerial ambition and that he is confident that the BJP will form the next government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gadkari also said that the NDA is not a one-man government and every minister has a voice in the decision-making process. As the Union minister spoke on a host of other issues, he said that 2019 is not an election of regional parties as the polity is divided between the NDA and the UPA. “2019 is not 1996. Most of the regional parties will take a decision after the results come out and will align with either the NDA or the UPA. The federal front has no future,” he said. Gadkari also took on the critics on the issue of the government interfering in the work of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He told WION that the RBI is not an autonomous institution as it works within the larger umbrella of the government. He added that the government has full right to advice and direct the RBI for the benefit of people. “We are the elected representatives. People will come to us in case of an economic downturn, so it becomes our responsibility to set things right when required,” said Gadkari. Gadkari also openly defended the candidature of Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur who is contesting against Congress' Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat. He said that Sadhvi has been a victim of a conspiracy hatched by the Congress which had spawned the myth of Hindu terrorism. “She is innocent and will win the elections from Bhopal,” he said. He also spoke on the farm crisis and said that it is a result of the economic policies of the Congress. He said that the agricultural sector needs a lot of innovation and needs to respond to the new global economy. On the issue subsidy, Gadkari said that subsidy is required as the farm sector is under a tremendous strain. Downplaying the role of the RSS in the government, Gadkari said that the RSS does not interfere in the work of the government. “It is a wrong perception,” he said.

We will form the next government, 2019 will not be like 1996: Nitin Gadkari to WION

Watch WION exclusive with Kartikey Sharma in conversation with Union Cabinet Minister Nitin Gadkari. Watch video to know more.

2019 will not be a repeat of 1996, BJP will form the next govt under Modi: Nitin Gadkari to WION

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said India is mulling on the prospects of stopping the flow of river water to Pakistan in the backdrop of its "continuous support" to terrorism.

Gadkari, while deterring to stop river water to Pakistan, said India is not bound to follow the Indus water treaty as peaceful relations no longer exist between the two countries.

"Water is going to Pakistan from three rivers; we do not want to stop that. But the basis of the water treaty between India and Pakistan was peaceful relations and friendship, both of which have completely vanished. So we are not bound to follow this treaty," Gadkari told media here on Wednesday.

He went on to say that India is internally examining the matter.

"Pakistan is continuously supporting terrorists. If Pakistan does not stop terrorism, we won't have any other option but to stop river water to Pakistan. So India has started internally studying it. That water will go to Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan," said Gadkari.

A week after the Pulwama terror attack took place in which as many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed, Gadkari had said Pakistan has "destroyed the spirit" of Indus Waters Treaty, and claimed that people were requesting him "not to give even a drop of India's water" to Islamabad.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistan President Ayub Khan in 1960.

As per the Treaty, India has full rights over the waters of 'eastern'&nbsp;rivers--Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. In return, India had to let 'western'&nbsp;rivers-Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum-flow 'unrestricted'&nbsp;to Pakistan.

As per the Treaty, India can use the waters of 'western'&nbsp;rivers as well, but only in a 'non-consumptive'&nbsp;manner. It could use the water for domestic purposes, and even for irrigation and hydropower production, but only in the manner specified in the treaty.&nbsp;

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said India is mulling on the prospects of stopping the flow of river water to Pakistan in the backdrop of its "continuous support" to terrorism.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has said India is mulling on the prospects of stopping the flow of river water to Pakistan in the backdrop of its "continuous support" to terrorism. Gadkari, while deterring to stop river water to Pakistan, said India is not bound to follow the Indus water treaty as peaceful relations no longer exist between the two countries. "Water is going to Pakistan from three rivers; we do not want to stop that. But the basis of the water treaty between India and Pakistan was peaceful relations and friendship, both of which have completely vanished. So we are not bound to follow this treaty," Gadkari told media here on Wednesday. He went on to say that India is internally examining the matter. "Pakistan is continuously supporting terrorists. If Pakistan does not stop terrorism, we won't have any other option but to stop river water to Pakistan. So India has started internally studying it. That water will go to Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan," said Gadkari. A week after the Pulwama terror attack took place in which as many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed, Gadkari had said Pakistan has "destroyed the spirit" of Indus Waters Treaty, and claimed that people were requesting him "not to give even a drop of India's water" to Islamabad. The Indus Waters Treaty was signed by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Pakistan President Ayub Khan in 1960. As per the Treaty, India has full rights over the waters of 'eastern' rivers--Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. In return, India had to let 'western' rivers-Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum-flow 'unrestricted' to Pakistan. As per the Treaty, India can use the waters of 'western' rivers as well, but only in a 'non-consumptive' manner. It could use the water for domestic purposes, and even for irrigation and hydropower production, but only in the manner specified in the treaty.

Water will flow to Rajasthan, Punjab not Pakistan if it continues to support terrorism: Nitin Gadkari

The Congress has lost all political credibility when it comes to addressing the issue of poverty, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/water-will-flow-to-rajasthan-punjab-not-pakistan-if-it-continues-to-support-terrorism-nitin-gadkari-217165">Union minister Nitin Gadkari</a> said on Thursday, taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's proposed "Nyay" scheme by invoking Congress prime ministers, who, he claimed, had vowed to eradicate poverty and failed.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office, Gadkari also alleged that the Congress had deliberately created "fear" in the minds of the minorities to divert attention from performance, work and development, which should have been the issues in the ongoing Lok Sabha election.

"The Congress party has no credibility. After 1947, (then prime minister Jawaharlal) Nehru said he will remove poverty. Then Indira Gandhi said this. She used the slogan of removing poverty and won (elections), but poverty did not go. Then Rajiv Gandhi repeated that;&nbsp;then Sonia Gandhi and then Manmohan Singh, but poverty did not go. Now, even Panditji's (Nehru) great-grandson is saying the same thing," he said.

"If he (Congress chief Rahul Gandhi) will remove poverty by giving Rs 72,000, then what did Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Manmohan Singh do? That is why the political credibility of the Congress in removing poverty has ended," Gadkari said.&nbsp;

The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader further alleged that the Congress had a history of injustice and since 1947, it had been responsible for "wrong economic policies, bad and corrupt governance and visionless leadership".

"So, 'Nyay' will not happen, because, with justice, the person dolling it out should also be trustworthy," he said.

Gadkari also lashed out at the opposition party for the abuse it had meted out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its poll campaign and said he had a list of 56 such abuses.

"The Congress deliberately wants to ensure that performance and work do not become poll issues. That is why they have done two things. One, fear is their biggest capital. Create fear in the minds of Dalits, minorities, SCs and STs. Two, ensure that a discussion on the work done in five years, which had not happened in 50 years, does not take place. If the discussion revolves around development, then they know they will be in trouble," he said.

Under the Modi government, the social sector had benefitted immensely, Gadkari said while talking about the opening of bank accounts, roads, water and electricity.&nbsp;

"Last time during the Kumbh, the prime minister of Mauritius could not go for a bath in the Ganga... This time, 20 crore people visited the Kumbh and took bath in the river. For the first time, the Ganga was pure and clean. We did what we promised," the Union Minister said.

"We made the waterways and that is why (Congress leader) Priyanka (Gandhi Vadra) could travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi on a boat while abusing us continuously. I want to ask her, had we not made the waterway, how would she have done that? She could drink the water thrice because we have cleaned the Ganga water. Or else, she would have also had to leave like the Mauritius PM," the Union minister for road transport and highways said.

He said it was unfortunate that those who had promoted the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, those who had failed to give justice to the victims were now talking about "Nyay".

"The politics of performance and development is our biggest asset. Our schemes have reached every nook and cranny of this country and that is how we want to fight the election. The lowering of the standard of the discourse during this election has been noticed by the people of this country. We will form a BJP-led NDA government with a record mandate," Gadkari said.

The Congress has lost all political credibility when it comes to addressing the issue of poverty, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday, taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's proposed "Nyay" scheme by invoking Congress prime ministers, who, he claimed, had vowed to eradicate poverty and failed.

The Congress has lost all political credibility when it comes to addressing the issue of poverty, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Thursday, taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi's proposed "Nyay" scheme by invoking Congress prime ministers, who, he claimed, had vowed to eradicate poverty and failed. Addressing a press conference at the BJP office, Gadkari also alleged that the Congress had deliberately created "fear" in the minds of the minorities to divert attention from performance, work and development, which should have been the issues in the ongoing Lok Sabha election. "The Congress party has no credibility. After 1947, (then prime minister Jawaharlal) Nehru said he will remove poverty. Then Indira Gandhi said this. She used the slogan of removing poverty and won (elections), but poverty did not go. Then Rajiv Gandhi repeated that; then Sonia Gandhi and then Manmohan Singh, but poverty did not go. Now, even Panditji's (Nehru) great-grandson is saying the same thing," he said. "If he (Congress chief Rahul Gandhi) will remove poverty by giving Rs 72,000, then what did Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Manmohan Singh do? That is why the political credibility of the Congress in removing poverty has ended," Gadkari said. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader further alleged that the Congress had a history of injustice and since 1947, it had been responsible for "wrong economic policies, bad and corrupt governance and visionless leadership". "So, 'Nyay' will not happen, because, with justice, the person dolling it out should also be trustworthy," he said. Gadkari also lashed out at the opposition party for the abuse it had meted out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its poll campaign and said he had a list of 56 such abuses. "The Congress deliberately wants to ensure that performance and work do not become poll issues. That is why they have done two things. One, fear is their biggest capital. Create fear in the minds of Dalits, minorities, SCs and STs. Two, ensure that a discussion on the work done in five years, which had not happened in 50 years, does not take place. If the discussion revolves around development, then they know they will be in trouble," he said. Under the Modi government, the social sector had benefitted immensely, Gadkari said while talking about the opening of bank accounts, roads, water and electricity. "Last time during the Kumbh, the prime minister of Mauritius could not go for a bath in the Ganga... This time, 20 crore people visited the Kumbh and took bath in the river. For the first time, the Ganga was pure and clean. We did what we promised," the Union Minister said. "We made the waterways and that is why (Congress leader) Priyanka (Gandhi Vadra) could travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi on a boat while abusing us continuously. I want to ask her, had we not made the waterway, how would she have done that? She could drink the water thrice because we have cleaned the Ganga water. Or else, she would have also had to leave like the Mauritius PM," the Union minister for road transport and highways said. He said it was unfortunate that those who had promoted the accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, those who had failed to give justice to the victims were now talking about "Nyay". "The politics of performance and development is our biggest asset. Our schemes have reached every nook and cranny of this country and that is how we want to fight the election. The lowering of the standard of the discourse during this election has been noticed by the people of this country. We will form a BJP-led NDA government with a record mandate," Gadkari said.

Congress has lost credibility to address poverty: Nitin Gadkari

The Bharatiya Janata Party`s five-year rule was just a trailer, and the real picture is yet to emerge, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday.

"The Congress is a confused party. They cannot change the future of India. It is only the BJP which can take India towards development. The five-year rule of the BJP was just a trailer. The real picture is yet to emerge," said Gadkari while speaking to ANI.

Criticising Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Gadkari said,&nbsp;"Congress and its allies have one aim which is to defeat BJP. Congress party is at its worst at the Parliament, after Independence. They are in a bad state. They can`t even have a Leader of the Opposition."

"He (Rahul) can say whatever he wants. His credibility has suffered a blow. I do not think anyone believes that Congress will form the government. They want to help those who can defeat BJP. They have the sentiment that BJP, Modi ji should lose, even if they (Congress) are not elected. Congress party is at its worst at the Parliament, after Independence. They are in a bad state. They cannot even have the Leader of the Opposition," he said.

Continuing his tirade against Congress, Gadkari said, "Is NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) introduced to remove poverty? The Congress has been cheating India since Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi`s time in the name of `Garibi Hatao,".

"The process of cleaning Ganga initiated under Rajiv Gandhi`s rule in 1984 but no work was done. Today, Ganga became `aviral and nirmal` under the BJP`s rule. For the first time, a decisive government was formed, which has received respect from the entire world to act against terrorism. The whole world stood against Pakistan in declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist, which is an achievement for us," he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party`s five-year rule was just a trailer, and the real picture is yet to emerge, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday. "The Congress is a confused party.

The Bharatiya Janata Party`s five-year rule was just a trailer, and the real picture is yet to emerge, said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday. "The Congress is a confused party. They cannot change the future of India. It is only the BJP which can take India towards development. The five-year rule of the BJP was just a trailer. The real picture is yet to emerge," said Gadkari while speaking to ANI. Criticising Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Gadkari said, "Congress and its allies have one aim which is to defeat BJP. Congress party is at its worst at the Parliament, after Independence. They are in a bad state. They can`t even have a Leader of the Opposition." "He (Rahul) can say whatever he wants. His credibility has suffered a blow. I do not think anyone believes that Congress will form the government. They want to help those who can defeat BJP. They have the sentiment that BJP, Modi ji should lose, even if they (Congress) are not elected. Congress party is at its worst at the Parliament, after Independence. They are in a bad state. They cannot even have the Leader of the Opposition," he said. Continuing his tirade against Congress, Gadkari said, "Is NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) introduced to remove poverty? The Congress has been cheating India since Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi`s time in the name of `Garibi Hatao,". "The process of cleaning Ganga initiated under Rajiv Gandhi`s rule in 1984 but no work was done. Today, Ganga became `aviral and nirmal` under the BJP`s rule. For the first time, a decisive government was formed, which has received respect from the entire world to act against terrorism. The whole world stood against Pakistan in declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist, which is an achievement for us," he said.

BJP's five-year rule was just a trailer, real picture is yet to begin: Nitin Gadkari

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds.

In an interview to PTI, he also slammed Gandhi's proposed minimum income scheme to give Rs 72,000 per year to 20 per cent of the poor in the country, dubbing it a "populist slogan" and a "political strategy" to seek votes from the poor.

Dismissing the opposition's charge that the BJP sidelined veteran leaders like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, he said the party held them in high regard and drew guidance and inspiration from them.

He said any views of Advani were the words of the BJP and that "misquoting" him, by saying the saffron party terms the opposition as anti-national, was not correct.

"The way in which he speaks about the prime minister is not good. A prime minister does not belong to a party but the country and it is the duty of every citizen to respect and recognise the prime minister as a prime minister. Rahul Gandhi unfortunately uses very bad terminology," he said.

Criticising Gandhi's 'Nyunatam Aay Yojana' (Nyay), he said Rs 3,50,000 crore are required to implement it.

"Where will they get the money from? And, if they are using this money, how will they make budgetary provisions for other sectors like agriculture?" Gadkari said.

He said the need of the hour was to create good policies for better employment potential and increase in growth rate and per capita income.

"However, if populist slogans are made for political purpose, they may affect the economy. The credibility of Congress is not good," he said.

Gadkari said since 1947, the Congress has been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (remove poverty).

"Then the 40-point programme, the 20-point programme, the 5-point programme, but nothing worked. This is only a political strategy and a political declaration to take votes from the poor," the road, transport and highways minister said.

Asked about the opposition's criticism that the BJP was sidelining its senior leaders like Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, the minister they were the party's motivation.

"In every party, by law of nature, after some age, everyone has to retire. We have respect, regard and recognition for Advaniji and Joshiji. They are still our guide, philosopher, inspiration and motivation," he said.

"Everywhere - in media, corporates, film industry - there is an age limit for everybody, on the basis of that the party has taken a decision," he added.

Advani in a blog post last week said his party has never regarded those who disagreed with it politically as "anti-nationals" or "enemies" but only as adversaries.

Speaking about Advani's blog, Gadkari said the party holds the same view about anything spoken or written by him.

"We are all with Advaniji over the blog written by him. Even Modiji is with him. However, using some statement and misquoting him that we term the opposition parties as anti-national is totally wrong," he said.

"I feel in the spirit of whatever Advaniji has written in his blog, we are all of the same opinion and have no problem, but a section of media misquoted him to create confusion. The fact is that whatever Advaniji speaks or writes in his blog, we are all of same opinion," the minister said.

Gadkari said the Modi government's policies are aimed at creating more employment potential.

However, like there is a cycle in every business, the present agricultural crisis is a big issue but the government is trying to create more employment by creating irrigation facilities, agro-processing industries and diversification of agriculture towards energy and power sector and making plastic from ethanol, he said.

"These are the new innovations and research taken by our government which will create new jobs. Ultimately there is a cycle everywhere in the world. Some industries are in a good position, some bad," he noted.

"Today, real estate is facing a problem. The steel industry was in the past facing problems, but now is in a good position because we erased duty on import of steel," he said.

Strong policies have been put in place to generate employment, he said, adding that though it may take time, there will be strong positive results.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying he is levelling corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for political gains, and asserted that Modi should be respected for the position he holds. In an interview to PTI, he also slammed Gandhi's proposed minimum income scheme to give Rs 72,000 per year to 20 per cent of the poor in the country, dubbing it a "populist slogan" and a "political strategy" to seek votes from the poor. Dismissing the opposition's charge that the BJP sidelined veteran leaders like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, he said the party held them in high regard and drew guidance and inspiration from them. He said any views of Advani were the words of the BJP and that "misquoting" him, by saying the saffron party terms the opposition as anti-national, was not correct. "The way in which he speaks about the prime minister is not good. A prime minister does not belong to a party but the country and it is the duty of every citizen to respect and recognise the prime minister as a prime minister. Rahul Gandhi unfortunately uses very bad terminology," he said. Criticising Gandhi's 'Nyunatam Aay Yojana' (Nyay), he said Rs 3,50,000 crore are required to implement it. "Where will they get the money from? And, if they are using this money, how will they make budgetary provisions for other sectors like agriculture?" Gadkari said. He said the need of the hour was to create good policies for better employment potential and increase in growth rate and per capita income. "However, if populist slogans are made for political purpose, they may affect the economy. The credibility of Congress is not good," he said. Gadkari said since 1947, the Congress has been raising the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (remove poverty). "Then the 40-point programme, the 20-point programme, the 5-point programme, but nothing worked. This is only a political strategy and a political declaration to take votes from the poor," the road, transport and highways minister said. Asked about the opposition's criticism that the BJP was sidelining its senior leaders like Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, the minister they were the party's motivation. "In every party, by law of nature, after some age, everyone has to retire. We have respect, regard and recognition for Advaniji and Joshiji. They are still our guide, philosopher, inspiration and motivation," he said. "Everywhere - in media, corporates, film industry - there is an age limit for everybody, on the basis of that the party has taken a decision," he added. Advani in a blog post last week said his party has never regarded those who disagreed with it politically as "anti-nationals" or "enemies" but only as adversaries. Speaking about Advani's blog, Gadkari said the party holds the same view about anything spoken or written by him. "We are all with Advaniji over the blog written by him. Even Modiji is with him. However, using some statement and misquoting him that we term the opposition parties as anti-national is totally wrong," he said. "I feel in the spirit of whatever Advaniji has written in his blog, we are all of the same opinion and have no problem, but a section of media misquoted him to create confusion. The fact is that whatever Advaniji speaks or writes in his blog, we are all of same opinion," the minister said. Gadkari said the Modi government's policies are aimed at creating more employment potential. However, like there is a cycle in every business, the present agricultural crisis is a big issue but the government is trying to create more employment by creating irrigation facilities, agro-processing industries and diversification of agriculture towards energy and power sector and making plastic from ethanol, he said. "These are the new innovations and research taken by our government which will create new jobs. Ultimately there is a cycle everywhere in the world. Some industries are in a good position, some bad," he noted. "Today, real estate is facing a problem. The steel industry was in the past facing problems, but now is in a good position because we erased duty on import of steel," he said. Strong policies have been put in place to generate employment, he said, adding that though it may take time, there will be strong positive results.

Rahul levelling corruption allegations against Modi for political gains: Gadkari

In a one-to-one conversation with students in Ayodhya, Congress general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-priyanka-fight-elections-from-varanasi-206337">secretary Priyanka Gandhi </a>revealed a lot about her personal life which continues to be hidden from the media and public.&nbsp;

The convention allowed students to ask random question to Priyanka. On being asked whether she knows how to cook, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-renews-agrarian-pitch-for-congress-in-lok-sabha-elections-206080">Priyanka replied </a>that she is a good cook and that she has been cooking from the age of 15. She told the students that she had&nbsp;learned Italian cooking from her grandmother and that she is good at cooking both Indian and Thai food.

Priyanka also answered questions on gender and reforms. She said: "I often tell my daughter to dress properly keeping in mind the law and order of the city, my daughter often shoots back says that tell me what to wear.”&nbsp;

She said that what makes her happy was that her daughter’s response accrues from feminist values she has inculcated in her. Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the issue of Romeo squads which have become a tool to harass young couples in the state.&nbsp;

She said, "I’m totally against Romeo squads and it cannot be allowed.” Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the failed experiment of Congress president Rahul Gandhi to introduce internal elections in the frontal organization.&nbsp;

“Rahul’s idea was transformative. The intention was to open doors to young people who come from different backgrounds, but many people opposed this transformative process and did not allow the new process to function. They were afraid of change,” said Priyanka.&nbsp;

This is the first time Priyanka Gandhi has spoken on the issue of internal elections in the frontal organisations of the Congress. The fact that she accepted a section of leadership derailed the process&nbsp;shows that she was on the same page as&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi on the&nbsp;idea.

Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the issue of Congress manifesto and said that people do not take manifestos very seriously whereas it is the most important document of the electoral process.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi also attacked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his comment on NYAY and its financial viability.&nbsp;

She said, "Nitin Gadkari should answer as to where the government got the money to wave off debt of the business community. She was equally aggressive on the question of equating Gandhi’s with royalty.&nbsp;

She retorted saying that it was her family which did away with Privy Purse in 1970s. Privy Purse was money provided to states till 1971 for maintenance of their respective estates. It was part of the amalgamation process after India gained independence. Indira Gandhi had abolished the purse as the money was being paid from the Indian exchequer.&nbsp;

The Congress general secretary from eastern Uttar Pradesh attacked Prime Minister Modi's statement that Pakistan will celebrate if Congress wins. She said, "Biryani khane to PM gaye the."(PM had gone to eat&nbsp;biryani in Pakistan).&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi’s tour concluded on Friday evening with a visit to Hanumangarhi.

In a one-to-one conversation with students in Ayodhya, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi revealed a lot about her personal life which continues to be hidden from the media and public.

In a one-to-one conversation with students in Ayodhya, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi revealed a lot about her personal life which continues to be hidden from the media and public. The convention allowed students to ask random question to Priyanka. On being asked whether she knows how to cook, Priyanka replied that she is a good cook and that she has been cooking from the age of 15. She told the students that she had learned Italian cooking from her grandmother and that she is good at cooking both Indian and Thai food. Priyanka also answered questions on gender and reforms. She said: "I often tell my daughter to dress properly keeping in mind the law and order of the city, my daughter often shoots back says that tell me what to wear.” She said that what makes her happy was that her daughter’s response accrues from feminist values she has inculcated in her. Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the issue of Romeo squads which have become a tool to harass young couples in the state. She said, "I’m totally against Romeo squads and it cannot be allowed.” Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the failed experiment of Congress president Rahul Gandhi to introduce internal elections in the frontal organization. “Rahul’s idea was transformative. The intention was to open doors to young people who come from different backgrounds, but many people opposed this transformative process and did not allow the new process to function. They were afraid of change,” said Priyanka. This is the first time Priyanka Gandhi has spoken on the issue of internal elections in the frontal organisations of the Congress. The fact that she accepted a section of leadership derailed the process shows that she was on the same page as Rahul Gandhi on the idea. Priyanka Gandhi also spoke on the issue of Congress manifesto and said that people do not take manifestos very seriously whereas it is the most important document of the electoral process. Priyanka Gandhi also attacked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his comment on NYAY and its financial viability. She said, "Nitin Gadkari should answer as to where the government got the money to wave off debt of the business community. She was equally aggressive on the question of equating Gandhi’s with royalty. She retorted saying that it was her family which did away with Privy Purse in 1970s. Privy Purse was money provided to states till 1971 for maintenance of their respective estates. It was part of the amalgamation process after India gained independence. Indira Gandhi had abolished the purse as the money was being paid from the Indian exchequer. The Congress general secretary from eastern Uttar Pradesh attacked Prime Minister Modi's statement that Pakistan will celebrate if Congress wins. She said, "Biryani khane to PM gaye the."(PM had gone to eat biryani in Pakistan). Priyanka Gandhi’s tour concluded on Friday evening with a visit to Hanumangarhi.

Rahul's idea to hold internal elections in frontal organisation was opposed from within: Priyanka

India bids farewell to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar

BJP workers have hit the ground running in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, from where Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will file his nomination again this year, to reach out to voters ahead of the upcoming general elections.

The party workers and office-bearers are making detailed plans to woo voters and leaving nothing to chance.

A massive team of 65,000-70,000 BJP workers and supporters has fanned out in every assembly segment that falls under the Lok Sabha constituency, which has 1,903 voting booths, BJP sources said.

One 'panna pramukh' has been deployed for each voters list. There are around 55,000 people working as 'panna pramukh' (page in-charge) in the constituency.

The 'panna pramukh' is the first point of contact for voters under the BJP's election management strategy.

Besides, 10,000-20,000 BJP office-bearers and workers are part of other campaigning verticals, they said.

BJP's Nagpur spokesperson Chandan Goswami told PTI that party workers have started a door-to-door campaign to reach out to the voters.

The workers will apprise the voters about various welfare schemes launched by the BJP-led state and central governments, he said.

Details of the Nagpur metro project, the first phase of which became operational in early March, and the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) will also be shared with the voters, he said.

Gadkari, in his public rallies last month, had said infrastructure projects in Nagpur have attracted investment worth Rs 80,000 crore.

At public rallies, the former BJP chief often highlights the work done by him for the city, the second capital of Maharashtra.

A team of 50 workers will be actively working in each Vidhan Sabha constituency under the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, Goswami said.

There are six Vidhan Sabha segments in Nagpur.

Similarly, a micro-planning team is working under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Gadkari himself is overseeing all the campaigning work in Maharashtra, Goswami said.

Likewise, 'cluster pramukhs' will be working under Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, he said.

These 'cluster pramukhs' will look after campaigning on social media in assembly constituencies and door-to-door campaigns, Goswami said.

A manifesto team has also been formed under local legislators who will be going to the voters with the BJP's manifesto, he added.

Besides, several public meetings have been lined up. State and Union ministers will address these meetings, he said.

There are a total of 40,24,197 voters, including 19,57,995 women, in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, where voting will take place in single phase on April 11.

The Congress has fielded Nana Patole, a former BJP MP from Gondia Bhandara who joined the party last year, from Nagpur.&nbsp;

The results for Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23.

BJP workers have hit the ground running in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, from where Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will file his nomination again this year, to reach out to voters ahead of the upcoming general elections.

BJP workers have hit the ground running in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, from where Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will file his nomination again this year, to reach out to voters ahead of the upcoming general elections. The party workers and office-bearers are making detailed plans to woo voters and leaving nothing to chance. A massive team of 65,000-70,000 BJP workers and supporters has fanned out in every assembly segment that falls under the Lok Sabha constituency, which has 1,903 voting booths, BJP sources said. One 'panna pramukh' has been deployed for each voters list. There are around 55,000 people working as 'panna pramukh' (page in-charge) in the constituency. The 'panna pramukh' is the first point of contact for voters under the BJP's election management strategy. Besides, 10,000-20,000 BJP office-bearers and workers are part of other campaigning verticals, they said. BJP's Nagpur spokesperson Chandan Goswami told PTI that party workers have started a door-to-door campaign to reach out to the voters. The workers will apprise the voters about various welfare schemes launched by the BJP-led state and central governments, he said. Details of the Nagpur metro project, the first phase of which became operational in early March, and the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) will also be shared with the voters, he said. Gadkari, in his public rallies last month, had said infrastructure projects in Nagpur have attracted investment worth Rs 80,000 crore. At public rallies, the former BJP chief often highlights the work done by him for the city, the second capital of Maharashtra. A team of 50 workers will be actively working in each Vidhan Sabha constituency under the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, Goswami said. There are six Vidhan Sabha segments in Nagpur. Similarly, a micro-planning team is working under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Gadkari himself is overseeing all the campaigning work in Maharashtra, Goswami said. Likewise, 'cluster pramukhs' will be working under Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, he said. These 'cluster pramukhs' will look after campaigning on social media in assembly constituencies and door-to-door campaigns, Goswami said. A manifesto team has also been formed under local legislators who will be going to the voters with the BJP's manifesto, he added. Besides, several public meetings have been lined up. State and Union ministers will address these meetings, he said. There are a total of 40,24,197 voters, including 19,57,995 women, in the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency, where voting will take place in single phase on April 11. The Congress has fielded Nana Patole, a former BJP MP from Gondia Bhandara who joined the party last year, from Nagpur. The results for Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP readies voter contact programme in Nagpur

Pramod Sawant, the Speaker of Goa Assembly, will be the new chief minister of the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of BJP legislators in Panaji.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-surgical-strikes-to-signing-rafale-deal-parrikar-had-short-but-an-eventful-term-as-defence-minister-203935">Manohar Parrikar</a>, the Goa CM, had died on Sunday leaving the state in a political crisis. The state leaders had huddled together to find Parrikar's replacement; Sawant emerged as the frontrunner.

Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party leader Sudhin Dhawalikar and Goa Forward Party's Vijay Sardesai - both allies of the BJP in Goa - were the other leaders in the race.

Sawant is a young&nbsp;leader who was trusted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manohar-parrikar-an-epitome-of-simplicity-203904">Parrikar</a> with the Speaker's job in the House where defection is a usual thing. But, more than that, while he was bed-ridden, Parrikar always used to send Sawant to attend various public functions in his place.&nbsp;

Sawant represents Sanqelim constituency from central Goa. He also enjoys support from both Hindus and Catholics in the state.

The BJP had deputed Nitin Gadkari to handle the affairs in Goa and find Parrikar's successor. The Union minister, who reached Goa late on Sunday night, met several BJP leaders and party's allies.

The new chief minister is expected to take oath today.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pramod Sawant, the Speaker of Goa Assembly, will be the new chief minister of the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of BJP legislators in Panaji. Manohar Parrikar, the Goa CM, had died on Sunday leaving the state in a political crisis.

Pramod Sawant, the Speaker of Goa Assembly, will be the new chief minister of the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of BJP legislators in Panaji. Manohar Parrikar, the Goa CM, had died on Sunday leaving the state in a political crisis. The state leaders had huddled together to find Parrikar's replacement; Sawant emerged as the frontrunner. Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party leader Sudhin Dhawalikar and Goa Forward Party's Vijay Sardesai - both allies of the BJP in Goa - were the other leaders in the race. Sawant is a young leader who was trusted by Parrikar with the Speaker's job in the House where defection is a usual thing. But, more than that, while he was bed-ridden, Parrikar always used to send Sawant to attend various public functions in his place. Sawant represents Sanqelim constituency from central Goa. He also enjoys support from both Hindus and Catholics in the state. The BJP had deputed Nitin Gadkari to handle the affairs in Goa and find Parrikar's successor. The Union minister, who reached Goa late on Sunday night, met several BJP leaders and party's allies. The new chief minister is expected to take oath today. (With inputs from agencies)

Goa assembly speaker Pramod Sawant to be the next CM of the state

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Friday said the shortage of water is the main problem in Maharashtra, but the issue is being addressed by the state and central governments.

Both governments are doing a considerable amount of work to address this problem by increasing irrigation potential and stop farmer suicides in drought-prone areas, he said.

Gadkari was addressing the gathering at a joint meeting the BJP and the Shiv-Sena, who have stitched a pre-poll alliance in Maharashtra for the Lok Sabha elections.

He said in a democracy, elections are an opportunity for the ruling dispensation to tell citizens whether it has fulfilled the assurances made to them.

"The BJP-Shiv-Sena alliance under the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis has done a wonderful job in Maharashtra. The biggest problem of Maharashtra is its water problem.

"We had consistently fought on the issue of irrigation inside and outside the Vidhan Sabha.

"I feel happy to tell that the irrigation potential of Maharashtra has increased from 18-20per cent to 48-50 per cent due to the efforts of the Fadnavis government," he said.

In Maharashtra, the "real memorial" of the Congress- NCP is the irrigation projects which have become defunct.

"These projects were pending for the last 20 years due to corruption," said Gadkari.

He said around 26 half completed irrigation projects in Maharashtra have been taken up for completion under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

Similarly, Rs 20,000 crore funds were given to Maharashtra for irrigation projects, the Union minister said.

Besides, 108 projects in drought-affected areas were given funds by the Union water resources ministry, the BJP leader said.

"Similarly, works worth around Rs 1 lakh crore will be initiated after the model code of conduct ends to improve water capacity in Maharashtra, he said.

"The Maharashtra government recently got an award for outstanding work in water conservation in the entire country. Water is the most important issue in the state," he said.

Whatever has been done in the last five for irrigation and water conservation was not achieved in Maharashtra in the last 25 years, said Gadkari.

"There will development of the country, protection of the country and social justice and economic equality as said by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," said Gadkari.

Gadkari took a swipe at the Congress, saying the party is spreading "lies" on the issues of casteism and communalism as it cannot debate with the BJP on development.

The BJP leader shared a question posed to him by electronic media Thursday - why NCP chief Sharad Pawar decided not to contest the Lok Sabha polls.

"I said he may have realised that he could not win this time and hence he withdrew. He knows this time it won't be possible.

"Hence, our work has become so popular that people are ready to help us irrespective of caste, religion or language.

"We should take benefit of this opportunity and try to win all the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Vidarbha," opined Gadkari.&nbsp;

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Friday said the shortage of water is the main problem in Maharashtra, but the issue is being addressed by the state and central governments.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Friday said the shortage of water is the main problem in Maharashtra, but the issue is being addressed by the state and central governments. Both governments are doing a considerable amount of work to address this problem by increasing irrigation potential and stop farmer suicides in drought-prone areas, he said. Gadkari was addressing the gathering at a joint meeting the BJP and the Shiv-Sena, who have stitched a pre-poll alliance in Maharashtra for the Lok Sabha elections. He said in a democracy, elections are an opportunity for the ruling dispensation to tell citizens whether it has fulfilled the assurances made to them. "The BJP-Shiv-Sena alliance under the leadership of CM Devendra Fadnavis has done a wonderful job in Maharashtra. The biggest problem of Maharashtra is its water problem. "We had consistently fought on the issue of irrigation inside and outside the Vidhan Sabha. "I feel happy to tell that the irrigation potential of Maharashtra has increased from 18-20per cent to 48-50 per cent due to the efforts of the Fadnavis government," he said. In Maharashtra, the "real memorial" of the Congress- NCP is the irrigation projects which have become defunct. "These projects were pending for the last 20 years due to corruption," said Gadkari. He said around 26 half completed irrigation projects in Maharashtra have been taken up for completion under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. Similarly, Rs 20,000 crore funds were given to Maharashtra for irrigation projects, the Union minister said. Besides, 108 projects in drought-affected areas were given funds by the Union water resources ministry, the BJP leader said. "Similarly, works worth around Rs 1 lakh crore will be initiated after the model code of conduct ends to improve water capacity in Maharashtra, he said. "The Maharashtra government recently got an award for outstanding work in water conservation in the entire country. Water is the most important issue in the state," he said. Whatever has been done in the last five for irrigation and water conservation was not achieved in Maharashtra in the last 25 years, said Gadkari. "There will development of the country, protection of the country and social justice and economic equality as said by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar," said Gadkari. Gadkari took a swipe at the Congress, saying the party is spreading "lies" on the issues of casteism and communalism as it cannot debate with the BJP on development. The BJP leader shared a question posed to him by electronic media Thursday - why NCP chief Sharad Pawar decided not to contest the Lok Sabha polls. "I said he may have realised that he could not win this time and hence he withdrew. He knows this time it won't be possible. "Hence, our work has become so popular that people are ready to help us irrespective of caste, religion or language. "We should take benefit of this opportunity and try to win all the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Vidarbha," opined Gadkari.

Water problem main issue in Maharashtra: Nitin Gadkari

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said neither does he have any aspirations nor the RSS any designs to project him as a prime ministerial candidate and asserted that making "calculation" has never been his forte in politics or work.

Amid speculations that he could be the BJP's prime ministerial candidate in case of a fractured mandate in the upcoming general elections, the senior party leader said he was not in the race and stressed that "tireless work" was his mantra.

"I have not done any calculation, never set targets -- neither in politics nor in work. Mai to chala jidhar chale rasta (I follow the path wherever it leads). Jo kaam dikha karta gaya (Accomplished whatever is assigned to me). Believe in doing the best for the country," Gadkari told PTI in an interview.

Seeking to rubbish speculations that he could be the "Prime Minister in the making", the senior minister made it clear that "neither there is anything like this in my mind nor RSS has any such thing. The nation comes supreme for us.

"I do not see dreams, neither I go to anyone nor I do any lobbying. I am not in this race. &nbsp;I'm telling you from my heart," the minister at the helm of key infrastructure ministries of the Narendra Modi government said.

Talking further about the speculations, Gadkari, also a former BJP chief, said that he does not know what people are thinking but that he has "nothing to do with it, not even remotely".

Gadkari also asserted that he and his party stood "solidly behind Modiji who is doing very good work".

"Given what work we have done, I feel we will get more seats than the last time under Modiji," he said and termed the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Opposition parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as 'Mahamilawat' (high adulteration).

Earlier this month, he termed speculations about him being in the race for prime minister as "mungeri lal ke haseen sapne" (day dreaming). On being a favourite with the Opposition members too, Gadkari remarked that whoever came to him, he believed in helping them with a positive attitude.

"Whatever maximum I can do I try," he added.

Last month in the Lok Sabha, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi along with other Congress members appreciated Gadkari for the "wonderful" work he has been doing in improving the country's infrastructure.

Describing himself as a "workaholic, Gadkari said massive work has been done by the central government in various sectors, including infrastructure that has seen projects worth over Rs 15 lakh crore.

On whether he felt some tasks could not be completed in the current tenure, Gadkari said there were no regrets as "whatever was there worth working I did. No one is perfect and no one should think he is perfect. One should work relentlessly".

Gadkari is in charge of the road transport and highways; shipping; and water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation ministries.

While viewing politics as a "game of compulsions, limitations and contradictions", the BJP heavyweight from Maharashtra said that anything can happen in politics and cricket.

He exuded confidence that BJP was going to get a thumping majority and increase its seats tally in the upcoming general elections.

Listing out various initiatives of the government, he said the national health insurance scheme has benefited 10 crore families, 1.5 crore houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and 6 crore people have got gas cylinders and that the number would go up to 12 crore.

"The poor have got rid of 'chulha and koyla' (traditional stove and coal). Electricity has reached (people) under Ujjwala Yojana" and many obsolete legislations have either been done away with or amended, he emphasised.&nbsp;

Gadkari runs 1,100 Ekal Vidyalayas in extremist-hit areas of Maharashtra. These schools have 21,000 students and 950 teachers. Besides, he runs "four hospitals on wheels" and has helped in getting artificial limbs from London and Germany for 900 people.

Further, 8,000 heart operations have been done and 1.5 lakh women have been screened with advanced machines brought from the US for breast cancer. Around 3,000 women detected with cancer have been given treatment, he said.

"I (also) do a lot of work in biofuel, organic farming, and work much for villagers especially poor farmers. Good days are coming in biofuel. Apart from my departments, I have done much in other things of my liking. Have got CNG kits for tractors from Poland and using it in one tractor will save Rs 60,000 in a year," the minister said.

A strong supporter of biofuels, Gadkari said biofuel has also been derived from bamboo and is being tested at the Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun.

There are also plans for large scale bamboo plantation as part of efforts to produce biofuel.

"We want to work for tribals and if bio-aviation fuel can be derived from these technologies in tribal areas, we can save Rs 30,000 crore," he said, adding that plans are on the anvil to increase the country's ethanol economy from Rs 11,000 crore to Rs 2 lakh crore.

Regarding works to clean Ganga, Gadkari said during his recent visit for 'Kumbh snan' people told him that for the first time in 50 years they found the river "nirmal and aviral" (pure and with the continuous flow).

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said neither does he have any aspirations nor the RSS any designs to project him as a prime ministerial candidate and asserted that making "calculation" has never been his forte in politics or work.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said neither does he have any aspirations nor the RSS any designs to project him as a prime ministerial candidate and asserted that making "calculation" has never been his forte in politics or work. Amid speculations that he could be the BJP's prime ministerial candidate in case of a fractured mandate in the upcoming general elections, the senior party leader said he was not in the race and stressed that "tireless work" was his mantra. "I have not done any calculation, never set targets -- neither in politics nor in work. Mai to chala jidhar chale rasta (I follow the path wherever it leads). Jo kaam dikha karta gaya (Accomplished whatever is assigned to me). Believe in doing the best for the country," Gadkari told PTI in an interview. Seeking to rubbish speculations that he could be the "Prime Minister in the making", the senior minister made it clear that "neither there is anything like this in my mind nor RSS has any such thing. The nation comes supreme for us. "I do not see dreams, neither I go to anyone nor I do any lobbying. I am not in this race. I'm telling you from my heart," the minister at the helm of key infrastructure ministries of the Narendra Modi government said. Talking further about the speculations, Gadkari, also a former BJP chief, said that he does not know what people are thinking but that he has "nothing to do with it, not even remotely". Gadkari also asserted that he and his party stood "solidly behind Modiji who is doing very good work". "Given what work we have done, I feel we will get more seats than the last time under Modiji," he said and termed the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) of Opposition parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as 'Mahamilawat' (high adulteration). Earlier this month, he termed speculations about him being in the race for prime minister as "mungeri lal ke haseen sapne" (day dreaming). On being a favourite with the Opposition members too, Gadkari remarked that whoever came to him, he believed in helping them with a positive attitude. "Whatever maximum I can do I try," he added. Last month in the Lok Sabha, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi along with other Congress members appreciated Gadkari for the "wonderful" work he has been doing in improving the country's infrastructure. Describing himself as a "workaholic, Gadkari said massive work has been done by the central government in various sectors, including infrastructure that has seen projects worth over Rs 15 lakh crore. On whether he felt some tasks could not be completed in the current tenure, Gadkari said there were no regrets as "whatever was there worth working I did. No one is perfect and no one should think he is perfect. One should work relentlessly". Gadkari is in charge of the road transport and highways; shipping; and water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation ministries. While viewing politics as a "game of compulsions, limitations and contradictions", the BJP heavyweight from Maharashtra said that anything can happen in politics and cricket. He exuded confidence that BJP was going to get a thumping majority and increase its seats tally in the upcoming general elections. Listing out various initiatives of the government, he said the national health insurance scheme has benefited 10 crore families, 1.5 crore houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and 6 crore people have got gas cylinders and that the number would go up to 12 crore. "The poor have got rid of 'chulha and koyla' (traditional stove and coal). Electricity has reached (people) under Ujjwala Yojana" and many obsolete legislations have either been done away with or amended, he emphasised. Gadkari runs 1,100 Ekal Vidyalayas in extremist-hit areas of Maharashtra. These schools have 21,000 students and 950 teachers. Besides, he runs "four hospitals on wheels" and has helped in getting artificial limbs from London and Germany for 900 people. Further, 8,000 heart operations have been done and 1.5 lakh women have been screened with advanced machines brought from the US for breast cancer. Around 3,000 women detected with cancer have been given treatment, he said. "I (also) do a lot of work in biofuel, organic farming, and work much for villagers especially poor farmers. Good days are coming in biofuel. Apart from my departments, I have done much in other things of my liking. Have got CNG kits for tractors from Poland and using it in one tractor will save Rs 60,000 in a year," the minister said. A strong supporter of biofuels, Gadkari said biofuel has also been derived from bamboo and is being tested at the Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun. There are also plans for large scale bamboo plantation as part of efforts to produce biofuel. "We want to work for tribals and if bio-aviation fuel can be derived from these technologies in tribal areas, we can save Rs 30,000 crore," he said, adding that plans are on the anvil to increase the country's ethanol economy from Rs 11,000 crore to Rs 2 lakh crore. Regarding works to clean Ganga, Gadkari said during his recent visit for 'Kumbh snan' people told him that for the first time in 50 years they found the river "nirmal and aviral" (pure and with the continuous flow).

Neither do I have aspirations nor RSS any designs to make me PM candidate, says Nitin Gadkari

Union Road Transport, Highways and Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari today said that the problem of pollution in Ganga would be solved within the next 13 months.

He said Ganga is now flowing uninterruptedly due to various schemes implemented under Namami Ganga project during the last four years, the minister said inaugurating and announcing various projects for the welfare of the people in the region.

He said water transport facility had been provided from Allahabad to Farakka and up to the border of Bangladesh.

Cleaning Ganga was one of the major issues in the election manifesto of the BJP before the general elections in 2014. Several attempts by the previous government to make it clean had failed.

Gadkari thanked the MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy for taking a keen interest in these projects.

“In the next five years, you will be getting around (development projects worth) 1 lakh crore rupees,” Gadkari said.

Union Road Transport, Highways and Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari today said that the problem of pollution in Ganga would be solved within the next 13 months.

Union Road Transport, Highways and Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari today said that the problem of pollution in Ganga would be solved within the next 13 months. He said Ganga is now flowing uninterruptedly due to various schemes implemented under Namami Ganga project during the last four years, the minister said inaugurating and announcing various projects for the welfare of the people in the region. He said water transport facility had been provided from Allahabad to Farakka and up to the border of Bangladesh. Cleaning Ganga was one of the major issues in the election manifesto of the BJP before the general elections in 2014. Several attempts by the previous government to make it clean had failed. Gadkari thanked the MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy for taking a keen interest in these projects. “In the next five years, you will be getting around (development projects worth) 1 lakh crore rupees,” Gadkari said.

Ganga to be cleaned within 13 months: Nitin Gadkari

Slamming Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, Union minister Nitin Gadkari Monday asked what is the point of continuing the Indus Water Treaty if its spirit of mutual love, harmony and cordial relations is not being honoured by the neighbouring country.

Addressing a public meeting here, Gadkari said Pakistan should stop sponsoring terrorists, supporting terror outfits and sending terrorists into India, otherwise, it would have to reel under shortage of water.

Following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, the Union minister had said India had decided to “stop” the flow of its share of river water to Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty.

Under the Indus Water Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, all the waters of the three rivers, namely Ravi, Sutlej and Beas (eastern Rivers) averaging around 33 million acre-feet (MAF), were allocated to India for exclusive use.

The waters of western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — averaging to around 135 MAF were allocated to Pakistan except for specified domestic, non-consumptive and agricultural use permitted to India as provided in the treaty.

Gadkari said the spirit behind the water treaty was “mutual love, harmony and cordial relations”.

“There is a limit to our restraint. If cross-border terrorism and the support to terror outfits and terrorists by Pakistan is not stopped, what is the point of the treaty and of giving water to Pakistan,” he said.

Gadkari said that India will divert its share of water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan by stopping its flow to Pakistan.

On February 14, a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a bus carrying CRPF personnel in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 40 of them. The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Slamming Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, Union minister Nitin Gadkari Monday asked what is the point of continuing the Indus Water Treaty if its spirit of mutual love, harmony and cordial relations is not being honoured by the neighbouring country.

Slamming Pakistan over cross-border terrorism, Union minister Nitin Gadkari Monday asked what is the point of continuing the Indus Water Treaty if its spirit of mutual love, harmony and cordial relations is not being honoured by the neighbouring country. Addressing a public meeting here, Gadkari said Pakistan should stop sponsoring terrorists, supporting terror outfits and sending terrorists into India, otherwise, it would have to reel under shortage of water. Following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, the Union minister had said India had decided to “stop” the flow of its share of river water to Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty. Under the Indus Water Treaty signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, all the waters of the three rivers, namely Ravi, Sutlej and Beas (eastern Rivers) averaging around 33 million acre-feet (MAF), were allocated to India for exclusive use. The waters of western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — averaging to around 135 MAF were allocated to Pakistan except for specified domestic, non-consumptive and agricultural use permitted to India as provided in the treaty. Gadkari said the spirit behind the water treaty was “mutual love, harmony and cordial relations”. “There is a limit to our restraint. If cross-border terrorism and the support to terror outfits and terrorists by Pakistan is not stopped, what is the point of the treaty and of giving water to Pakistan,” he said. Gadkari said that India will divert its share of water to Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan by stopping its flow to Pakistan. On February 14, a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into a bus carrying CRPF personnel in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, killing 40 of them. The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Why continue Indus Water Treaty if Pakistan doesn’t honour its spirit: Nitin Gadkari

Reiterating his warning to choke Pakistan's water supply,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-has-decided-to-stop-share-of-water-which-flowed-to-pak-will-divert-water-from-eastern-rivers-and-supply-in-jk-punjab-gadkari-198788"> Union Minister Nitin Gadkari</a> Friday said the neighbouring country won't get "even a single drop of water" from India if it continues to export terror.

The senior BJP leader was addressing a meeting of party workers of Jabalpur region.

"(Pakistan PM) Imran Khan and others in that country are saying: how can India<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cant-unilaterally-end-indus-water-treaty-islamabad-on-new-delhis-move-to-stop-sharing-water-flow-to-pakistan-198841"> stop water to them?</a> Remember, if you continue to support and export terrorism to India, Pakistan won't get even a drop of water. Remember this," Gadkari said.

He said India was planning to build projects on three rivers flowing into Pakistan to use its share of water. "Our government will stop our share of water which used to flow to Pakistan," he said.

The minister's remarks came amid anger in India over the Pulwama terror attack, for which Pakistan-based Jaish-e- Mohammed has claimed responsibility.

Gadkari recalled the Indus Water Treaty, a water- distribution treaty between India and Pakistan signed in 1960 by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistans President Ayub Khan.

"As per the treaty, of the six rivers between Pakistan and India, Pakistan got three rivers and India got three. The water which was ours was also going into Pakistan.

"We are making three projects under which water which is ours by right will be given to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan," he said.

"The Indus accord says it was signed to maintain harmony, peace and brotherhood between the two nations. But today, when we think of this accord, we feel where is that harmonious relationship, where is that friendship, where has our cooperation and coordination gone," the minister said.

Pakistan is supporting and sending terrorists to India which is contrary to the aim with which the treaty was signed, Gadkari said.

If Pakistan wants good relations with India, they should stop supporting and sending terrorists to India since friendship and cooperation are "two-way affairs", he said.

The Union Cabinet in December had approved the Shahpurkandi dam project on the Ravi river in Punjab, a move that was intended to help India arrest its share of water flowing into Pakistan.

For this, central assistance of Rs 485.38 crore for irrigation component over five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23 was also announced.

In September 2018, Punjab and the Jammu and Kashmir governments had signed an agreement to resume works on the Rs 2,793-crore Shahpur-Kandi project, according to officials.

Earlier Friday, Gadkari also laid the foundation stone of the Rs 758.54 crore flyover to decongest traffic in western parts of Jabalpur city.&nbsp;

Reiterating his warning to choke Pakistan's water supply, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Friday said the neighbouring country won't get "even a single drop of water" from India if it continues to export terror.

Reiterating his warning to choke Pakistan's water supply, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Friday said the neighbouring country won't get "even a single drop of water" from India if it continues to export terror. The senior BJP leader was addressing a meeting of party workers of Jabalpur region. "(Pakistan PM) Imran Khan and others in that country are saying: how can India stop water to them? Remember, if you continue to support and export terrorism to India, Pakistan won't get even a drop of water. Remember this," Gadkari said. He said India was planning to build projects on three rivers flowing into Pakistan to use its share of water. "Our government will stop our share of water which used to flow to Pakistan," he said. The minister's remarks came amid anger in India over the Pulwama terror attack, for which Pakistan-based Jaish-e- Mohammed has claimed responsibility. Gadkari recalled the Indus Water Treaty, a water- distribution treaty between India and Pakistan signed in 1960 by the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistans President Ayub Khan. "As per the treaty, of the six rivers between Pakistan and India, Pakistan got three rivers and India got three. The water which was ours was also going into Pakistan. "We are making three projects under which water which is ours by right will be given to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan," he said. "The Indus accord says it was signed to maintain harmony, peace and brotherhood between the two nations. But today, when we think of this accord, we feel where is that harmonious relationship, where is that friendship, where has our cooperation and coordination gone," the minister said. Pakistan is supporting and sending terrorists to India which is contrary to the aim with which the treaty was signed, Gadkari said. If Pakistan wants good relations with India, they should stop supporting and sending terrorists to India since friendship and cooperation are "two-way affairs", he said. The Union Cabinet in December had approved the Shahpurkandi dam project on the Ravi river in Punjab, a move that was intended to help India arrest its share of water flowing into Pakistan. For this, central assistance of Rs 485.38 crore for irrigation component over five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23 was also announced. In September 2018, Punjab and the Jammu and Kashmir governments had signed an agreement to resume works on the Rs 2,793-crore Shahpur-Kandi project, according to officials. Earlier Friday, Gadkari also laid the foundation stone of the Rs 758.54 crore flyover to decongest traffic in western parts of Jabalpur city.

Pakistan won't get a drop of water if it exports terror, says Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari says India will stop sharing water

Breaking News: Indian govt mulls diverting water of three rivers common with Pakistan

The Bharatiya Janata Party has said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-who-dont-keep-promise-get-beaten-up-by-people-nitin-gadkari-193233">sapne</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-who-dont-keep-promise-get-beaten-up-by-people-nitin-gadkari-193233"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-who-dont-keep-promise-get-beaten-up-by-people-nitin-gadkari-193233">dikhaane</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-who-dont-keep-promise-get-beaten-up-by-people-nitin-gadkari-193233"> </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/leaders-who-dont-keep-promise-get-beaten-up-by-people-nitin-gadkari-193233">waale</a>" comment was aimed at the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi, and not Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The BJP's GVL Narasimha Rao said Gadkari's comments were being "twisted and political benefit being taken out of it".&nbsp;

"He (Gadkari) was hinting towards Congress that only gave slogans of 'Garibi Hatao' but didn't do anything for poverty alleviation and towards Rahul Gandhi who makes empty promises," Rao said.&nbsp;

“Sapne dikhane waale neta logon ko acche lagte hain, par dikhaye hue sapne agar pure nahi kiye to janta unki pitayi bhi karti hai (People like politicians who show them dreams. But if those dreams are not fulfilled, then the people also thrash those politicians),” Gadkari had said on Sunday.&nbsp;

“Isliye sapne wahi dikhao jo pure ho sakein. Main sapne dikhane waale mein se nahi hu. Main jo bolta hu, woh 100 per cent danke ki chot par pura hota hai (That is why you must only show those dreams that can be fulfilled. I am not among those who show dreams. Whatever I say, I fulfill it 100 per cent),” Gadkari had added.&nbsp;

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N Gadkari: Sapne dikhane waale neta logon ko acche lagte hain,par dikhaye hue sapne agar pure nahi kiye to janta unki pitayi bhi karti hai.Isliye sapne wahi dikhao jo pure ho sakein....Mai sapne dikhane waale mein se nahi hu.Mai jo bolta hu wo 100% danke ki chot par pura hota hai <a href="https://t.co/SRISZyCffS">pic.twitter.com/SRISZyCffS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1089502342460915714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP: Nitin Gadkari's comments are now being twisted&amp;political benefit being taken out of it. He was hinting towards Congress that only gave slogans of 'Garibi Hatao' but didn't do anything for poverty alleviation &amp; towards Rahul Gandhi who makes empty promises <a href="https://t.co/KcGdeI2RN1">pic.twitter.com/KcGdeI2RN1</a>
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Gadkari made his comments in Mumbai while addressing a gathering to launch a new BJP-affiliated transport outfit — the Navbhartiya Shiv Vahatuk Sanghathana (NSVS).&nbsp;

Speculation has been rife ever since that he was talking about Modi. Most commentators agree that Modi has been able to deliver less in his four-and-a-half years in power than he promised before the 2014 elections.&nbsp;

Gadkari, who is a Sangh favourite, is often seen as a potential successor to Modi.&nbsp;

This is not the first time Gadkari — he is minister of road transport and highways, shipping and water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation — has made "uncomfortable" statements.&nbsp;

He had also said the BJP leadership should own up to the defeats in the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh state elections. That was thought to be a barb aimed at Prime Minister Modi again and BJP president Amit Shah.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party has said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's "sapne dikhaane waale" comment was aimed at the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi, and not Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has said Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's "sapne dikhaane waale" comment was aimed at the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi, and not Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP's GVL Narasimha Rao said Gadkari's comments were being "twisted and political benefit being taken out of it". "He (Gadkari) was hinting towards Congress that only gave slogans of 'Garibi Hatao' but didn't do anything for poverty alleviation and towards Rahul Gandhi who makes empty promises," Rao said. “Sapne dikhane waale neta logon ko acche lagte hain, par dikhaye hue sapne agar pure nahi kiye to janta unki pitayi bhi karti hai (People like politicians who show them dreams. But if those dreams are not fulfilled, then the people also thrash those politicians),” Gadkari had said on Sunday. “Isliye sapne wahi dikhao jo pure ho sakein. Main sapne dikhane waale mein se nahi hu. Main jo bolta hu, woh 100 per cent danke ki chot par pura hota hai (That is why you must only show those dreams that can be fulfilled. I am not among those who show dreams. Whatever I say, I fulfill it 100 per cent),” Gadkari had added. N Gadkari: Sapne dikhane waale neta logon ko acche lagte hain,par dikhaye hue sapne agar pure nahi kiye to janta unki pitayi bhi karti hai.Isliye sapne wahi dikhao jo pure ho sakein....Mai sapne dikhane waale mein se nahi hu.Mai jo bolta hu wo 100% danke ki chot par pura hota hai pic.twitter.com/SRISZyCffS — ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2019 × GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP: Nitin Gadkari's comments are now being twisted&political benefit being taken out of it. He was hinting towards Congress that only gave slogans of 'Garibi Hatao' but didn't do anything for poverty alleviation & towards Rahul Gandhi who makes empty promises pic.twitter.com/KcGdeI2RN1 — ANI (@ANI) January 28, 2019 × Gadkari made his comments in Mumbai while addressing a gathering to launch a new BJP-affiliated transport outfit — the Navbhartiya Shiv Vahatuk Sanghathana (NSVS). Speculation has been rife ever since that he was talking about Modi. Most commentators agree that Modi has been able to deliver less in his four-and-a-half years in power than he promised before the 2014 elections. Gadkari, who is a Sangh favourite, is often seen as a potential successor to Modi. This is not the first time Gadkari — he is minister of road transport and highways, shipping and water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation — has made "uncomfortable" statements. He had also said the BJP leadership should own up to the defeats in the Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh state elections. That was thought to be a barb aimed at Prime Minister Modi again and BJP president Amit Shah.

Nitin Gadkari's 'sapne dikhane waale' comment: BJP says he was talking about Congress

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public.

The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises.

"People like (political) leaders who sell them dreams. But if these dreams are not realised, then they beat them up (politically) as well," Gadkari said, speaking at a function in Mumbai.

"I am not the one who only sells dreams, but I deliver 100 per cent what I talk about," he said.

Gadkari, a former BJP president, also spoke about his stint as Maharashtra's PWD minister when the Shiv Sena-BJP government was in power (1995-99) in the state.

"The media persons in Mumbai know what kind of a person I am as they have seen how I complete projects. They do trust me," said the 61-year-old politician from Nagpur.

"People used to laugh at me when I, as PWD minister, used to claim that I was going to build over 50 flyovers in Mumbai, and bring down the travel time between Mumbai and Pune to merely two hours (via 91-km expressway).

"I was ridiculed but I proved them wrong and completed every project I had promised," Gadkari said.

At the function, Bollywood actor Isha Koppikar joined the BJP and was made working president of the party's women transport wing.

In December, Gadkari said at an event in Pune that leadership should have the tendency to own up defeat and failures.

The remarks had come days after the BJP's dismal show in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly elections.

As the comments created a controversy, Gadkari said his statements had been twisted and alleged "there was a sinister campaign by some opposition parties and a section of the media to twist" his comments and "draw politically motivated inferences to malign" him and his party.

At the valedictory function of the annual Marathi literary meet at Yavatmal on January 13, Gadkari said politicians should not interfere in other fields.

The meet was embroiled in a controversy after an invitation to writer Nayantara Sahgal was withdrawn apparently under pressure from a political party.

Without making a direct reference to the row, Gadkari had said, "Politicians should learn not to interfere in other fields. The people who are in universities, educational institutions, literature and poetry, they should be dealing with their (respective) areas."

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public. The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari Sunday said political leaders who sell dreams to people, but fail to make them a reality get "beaten up" by the public. The minister, who handles a host of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government, asserted he is a doer and delivers on his promises. "People like (political) leaders who sell them dreams. But if these dreams are not realised, then they beat them up (politically) as well," Gadkari said, speaking at a function in Mumbai. "I am not the one who only sells dreams, but I deliver 100 per cent what I talk about," he said. Gadkari, a former BJP president, also spoke about his stint as Maharashtra's PWD minister when the Shiv Sena-BJP government was in power (1995-99) in the state. "The media persons in Mumbai know what kind of a person I am as they have seen how I complete projects. They do trust me," said the 61-year-old politician from Nagpur. "People used to laugh at me when I, as PWD minister, used to claim that I was going to build over 50 flyovers in Mumbai, and bring down the travel time between Mumbai and Pune to merely two hours (via 91-km expressway). "I was ridiculed but I proved them wrong and completed every project I had promised," Gadkari said. At the function, Bollywood actor Isha Koppikar joined the BJP and was made working president of the party's women transport wing. In December, Gadkari said at an event in Pune that leadership should have the tendency to own up defeat and failures. The remarks had come days after the BJP's dismal show in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly elections. As the comments created a controversy, Gadkari said his statements had been twisted and alleged "there was a sinister campaign by some opposition parties and a section of the media to twist" his comments and "draw politically motivated inferences to malign" him and his party. At the valedictory function of the annual Marathi literary meet at Yavatmal on January 13, Gadkari said politicians should not interfere in other fields. The meet was embroiled in a controversy after an invitation to writer Nayantara Sahgal was withdrawn apparently under pressure from a political party. Without making a direct reference to the row, Gadkari had said, "Politicians should learn not to interfere in other fields. The people who are in universities, educational institutions, literature and poetry, they should be dealing with their (respective) areas."

Leaders who don't keep promise get 'beaten up' by people: Nitin Gadkari

The Ganga will be "100 per cent clean" by March 2020, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Saturday said, and linked it to "good governance".

He was addressing a gathering of the BJP's SC Morcha here.

"In just 10 per cent work of the Rs 26,000 crore project currently underway, the Ganga has started getting cleaner. By March this year, 30-40 per cent of the work will be completed and by March next year, Ganga will be 100 per cent clean," he said.

He said he could give a "districtwise, statewise and projectwise" record of the work he had done to clean Ganga.

"Not only the Ganga, but we have also been working on 40 of its tributaries," he said, adding that projects worth Rs 800 crore were also underway to rejuvenate the Yamuna.

He said 20 per cent excess water had been released into the Ganga for its "aviralta" or continuous flow.

He said the river would have "continuous" and "unpolluted" water on its entire stretch by June this year.

"Our dream of a clean Ganga will come true. This is called good governance," the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation said.

The Central government approved the 'Namami Gange' program on May 13, 2015, as a comprehensive approach to rejuvenate the Ganga and all its tributaries under one umbrella by consolidating existing ongoing efforts.

The Ganga will be "100 per cent clean" by March 2020, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Saturday said, and linked it to "good governance". He was addressing a gathering of the BJP's SC Morcha here.

The Ganga will be "100 per cent clean" by March 2020, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Saturday said, and linked it to "good governance". He was addressing a gathering of the BJP's SC Morcha here. "In just 10 per cent work of the Rs 26,000 crore project currently underway, the Ganga has started getting cleaner. By March this year, 30-40 per cent of the work will be completed and by March next year, Ganga will be 100 per cent clean," he said. He said he could give a "districtwise, statewise and projectwise" record of the work he had done to clean Ganga. "Not only the Ganga, but we have also been working on 40 of its tributaries," he said, adding that projects worth Rs 800 crore were also underway to rejuvenate the Yamuna. He said 20 per cent excess water had been released into the Ganga for its "aviralta" or continuous flow. He said the river would have "continuous" and "unpolluted" water on its entire stretch by June this year. "Our dream of a clean Ganga will come true. This is called good governance," the Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation said. The Central government approved the 'Namami Gange' program on May 13, 2015, as a comprehensive approach to rejuvenate the Ganga and all its tributaries under one umbrella by consolidating existing ongoing efforts.

Ganga to be 100% clean by March next year: Nitin Gadkari

In a letter released to media, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sanghpriya Gautam stated that former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should be the party chief.&nbsp;

Gautam noted that incumbent party chief Amit Shah should work harder in the Rajya Sabha and pave way for Chouhan to take over his role. The veteran leader also noted that Home Minister Rajnath Singh should take over as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari should become Deputy Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The leader expressed dissatisfaction with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and added that he should be sent to do religious work. Although he acknowledged the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a political leader, he expressed doubt over the success of another Modi wave in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The 88-year-old leader, who served as a Minister of State in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, opined that the people of the country are not happy with the policies undertaken by the current government. Its interference with institutions like the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of India has not been viewed in a positive light by the masses, the former minister added.&nbsp;

Gautam had previously held MoS portfolio for agriculture and rural industries. A Lawyer by profession, he was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1990 and in 1998 as a candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party.

In a letter released to media, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sanghpriya Gautam stated that former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should be the party chief.

In a letter released to media, veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sanghpriya Gautam stated that former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan should be the party chief. Gautam noted that incumbent party chief Amit Shah should work harder in the Rajya Sabha and pave way for Chouhan to take over his role. The veteran leader also noted that Home Minister Rajnath Singh should take over as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari should become Deputy Prime Minister. The leader expressed dissatisfaction with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and added that he should be sent to do religious work. Although he acknowledged the stature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a political leader, he expressed doubt over the success of another Modi wave in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The 88-year-old leader, who served as a Minister of State in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, opined that the people of the country are not happy with the policies undertaken by the current government. Its interference with institutions like the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of India has not been viewed in a positive light by the masses, the former minister added. Gautam had previously held MoS portfolio for agriculture and rural industries. A Lawyer by profession, he was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1990 and in 1998 as a candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party.

BJP veteran drops bombshell, wants Shivraj Singh Chouhan to replace Amit Shah as BJP chief

A joint delegation of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Tripura government will be visiting Bangladesh this month to study the possibility of building a new waterway connecting the two countries, an official said Wednesday.

A three-member technical team, comprising two IWAI members and an engineer from the state water resource department, will carry out spot assessment at Daudkandi area in Comilla district of Bangladesh, Additional Transport Secretary Anindya Kumar Bhattacharya said.

The proposed waterway on rivers Gomati and Meghna will connect Ashuganj river port in eastern Bangladesh with Sonamura in Sipahijala district of Tripura, he told PTI.

"As a first step, dredging will have to be carried out on both sides (India and Bangladesh) to increase navigability of medium-sized vessels, which can carry at least 10 to 25 tonne of goods," Bhattacharya said.

Last month, a technical team of IWAI had visited the Sonamura to conduct a survey and decide on the possible location of a jetty for the project.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/biplab-debs-word-of-wisdom-list-of-absurd-statements-by-tripura-cm-162126">Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb</a> had also met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi in December, seeking expedition of the project.

The waterway, once ready, will ease transportation of goods to Sonamura town of Tripura from Bangladesh, Deb had told reporters. 
&nbsp;

Last month, a technical team of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) had visited the Sonamura to conduct a survey and decide on the possible location of a jetty for the project.

A joint delegation of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Tripura government will be visiting Bangladesh this month to study the possibility of building a new waterway connecting the two countries, an official said Wednesday. A three-member technical team, comprising two IWAI members and an engineer from the state water resource department, will carry out spot assessment at Daudkandi area in Comilla district of Bangladesh, Additional Transport Secretary Anindya Kumar Bhattacharya said. The proposed waterway on rivers Gomati and Meghna will connect Ashuganj river port in eastern Bangladesh with Sonamura in Sipahijala district of Tripura, he told PTI. "As a first step, dredging will have to be carried out on both sides (India and Bangladesh) to increase navigability of medium-sized vessels, which can carry at least 10 to 25 tonne of goods," Bhattacharya said. Last month, a technical team of IWAI had visited the Sonamura to conduct a survey and decide on the possible location of a jetty for the project. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb had also met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi in December, seeking expedition of the project. The waterway, once ready, will ease transportation of goods to Sonamura town of Tripura from Bangladesh, Deb had told reporters.

Three-member team to visit Bangladesh for inland waterway project connecting two countries

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