Gadkari Declines Offer for PM Post, Stresses Ethics in Politics and Journalism

Union minister Nitin Gadkari revealed that a political leader once offered him support for the Prime Minister's post, which he refused, emphasizing his lack of ambition for the role. At a journalism awards event, Gadkari stressed the importance of ethics in journalism and politics, highlighting respect for honest opposition.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari disclosed that an unnamed political leader once offered to back him for the Prime Minister's post. However, Gadkari declined, emphasizing that he did not aspire to the position.

Speaking at a journalism awards function in Nagpur on Saturday, the senior BJP leader shared insights from his career. He recalled an incident where a person told him, 'if you are going to become prime minister, we will support you.' Gadkari responded by questioning why he should seek or accept such support, noting that becoming Prime Minister was not his life's aim.

Gadkari underlined the crucial role of ethics in journalism and politics. He also recounted a conversation with a communist leader, where he stressed the importance of respecting honest opposition, highlighting the late A B Bardhan as a prominent politician who exemplified this principle. He lamented that both politics and journalism lack such ethical individuals today. Gadkari concluded by emphasizing that democracy thrives only when the judiciary, executive, legislature, and media adhere to ethical standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)