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Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari stands out as a rare politician in Indian politics who earns praise not just from his own party but also from opposition leaders.
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways has built a reputation that transcends party lines, making him one of the most respected figures in contemporary Indian politics.
The Man Who Puts Work Before Politics
What makes Gadkari different from most politicians is his straightforward approach to governance.
He believes that politics should be an instrument of socio-economic change, not just a path to power.
This philosophy reflects in everything he does, from the projects he undertakes to the way he interacts with colleagues across the political spectrum.
During a parliamentary session in 2019, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi led the Congress in appreciating Gadkari’s work, with multiple MPs cutting across political affiliations acknowledging his contributions.
Congress leader KC Venugopal called him a “sincere” minister who works hard to address significant challenges in the road transport sector.
Even BJD member Tathagata Satpathy remarked that Gadkari is a “hard-working person” who proves good work can be done regardless of political circumstances.
Transforming India’s Infrastructure Landscape
Gadkari’s achievements speak louder than political rhetoric.
When he took charge in 2014, India was building just two kilometers of road per day.
Within a year, that number increased more than eightfold and has continued to grow since then.
Under his leadership, India has constructed over 90,000 kilometers of national highways and 30,000 kilometers of new roads in the past decade.
His vision extended beyond urban connectivity to rural areas that had remained isolated since independence.
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which Gadkari architected, connected 13,736 remote villages by road.
This initiative helped bring medical aid, rations, and educational facilities to previously inaccessible areas like the Melghat-Dharni region of Amravati district.
Respecting Honest Opposition
Perhaps the most telling example of Gadkari’s character came when he revealed that a senior opposition leader offered to support him for the Prime Minister’s post.
He declined the offer, stating he would not compromise his principles for any position.
Gadkari explained his philosophy clearly:
“One should respect a person who opposes with honesty, because his opposition is honest. But one who opposes with dishonesty deserves no respect”.
This attitude shows why opposition parties trust him.
He does not see political opponents as enemies but as people who can have honest disagreements while working toward national progress.
The Results That Matter
| Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|
| Highway Construction | 90,000+ km of national highways built |
| Road Building Speed | Increased from 2 km/day to 16+ km/day |
| Rural Connectivity | Connected 13,736 remote villages |
| Innovation | Implemented FASTag nationwide for efficient toll collection |
| Global Ranking | India now has world’s second-largest road network |
These numbers demonstrate why Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress’s Dinesh Trivedi, and other opposition members have complimented Gadkari for his impressive performance.
His work directly impacts people’s lives, reducing travel time and logistics costs while boosting economic efficiency.
Speaking His Mind Without Fear
Gadkari is known for speaking his mind at Cabinet meetings and elsewhere.
He once said:
“I say and do what I feel. I was not interested in the politics of power in the past, nor am I today. What I got, what I did not get, it does not matter. I have got much more than what I deserved. Now my concern is what I can give the country and society”.
This refreshing honesty resonates with people tired of calculated political statements.
Whether it is opposition MPs or ordinary citizens, people appreciate a leader who focuses on delivering results rather than playing political games.
A Vision Beyond Party Lines
Gadkari’s approach to development focuses on the underprivileged through what he calls “Antyodaya,” ensuring the last person in society gets the first opportunity to rise in life.
This mission guides his political decisions and explains why he prioritizes rural connectivity and inclusive growth over flashy urban projects alone.
His innovative thinking extends to exploring alternative fuels, promoting electric vehicles, and finding sustainable solutions to India’s transport challenges.
He thinks big and promotes out-of-the-box solutions, earning him recognition as the “Highway Man of India”.
Why This Matters For Indian Democracy
In an era of polarized politics, Gadkari represents something increasingly rare – a politician who earns respect through work rather than rhetoric.
Opposition parties praise him not because they agree with his party’s ideology, but because they recognize genuine dedication to public service.
His example shows that good governance and sincere effort can bridge political divides.
When politicians set aside partisan interests to acknowledge good work, it strengthens democratic institutions and raises the bar for everyone.
Gadkari’s approach demonstrates that India’s challenges are too big for any single party to solve alone, and cooperation based on mutual respect can achieve more than confrontation.
Wrapping Up
Nitin Gadkari’s popularity among opposition parties stems from his work-first attitude, transparent communication, and genuine commitment to national development.
He proves that politics does not have to be divisive and that leaders who focus on solving real problems earn respect across party lines.
His infrastructure achievements have transformed India’s connectivity landscape while improving millions of lives, especially in rural areas that were previously forgotten.
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Trivia
Did you know that Nitin Gadkari pioneered the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and built 55 flyovers using an innovative public-private partnership model when he served as Maharashtra’s Public Works Minister in the 1990s? This early success laid the foundation for his approach to infrastructure development that would later transform highways across India. He also received the Late Madhavrao Limaye Award for being the Most Efficient Member of Parliament for 2020-21, recognizing his parliamentary contributions beyond just ministerial work.
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