Gadkari: No Evidence of Community Welfare by Those Getting Tickets on Caste Lines
At a Nagpur event, the Union minister stresses education, skills and dedicated grassroots leadership for social and economic progress
NAGPUR, Sep 27: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday stressed the importance of education, skills and strong values for the advancement of communities, saying political representation based on caste alone does not necessarily translate into social welfare.
Addressing a student felicitation programme organised by the Charmakar Seva Sangh in Nagpur, Gadkari said communities should focus on creating educational and employment opportunities to ensure sustained social, cultural and economic development.
He invoked the blessings of Sant Rohidas Maharaj and called for greater emphasis on education, skill development and good values among members of every community.
Gadkari said education could help address employment-related challenges and enable people to gain recognition in different fields, thereby helping communities become part of the mainstream.
He also spoke about his experience with people seeking electoral tickets on the basis of caste. Gadkari said several individuals approach him seeking nominations for themselves or their family members, claiming that their caste representation would benefit the community.
However, he said his experience over four to five decades had not shown evidence that those who received tickets on caste considerations necessarily contributed to the welfare of their communities.
Gadkari also criticised the practice of seeking political tickets for multiple family members, saying some aspirants seek nominations for their wives, sons, daughters and even personal assistants.
He said political representatives should be expected to contribute to the development of their communities after receiving electoral nominations.
Gadkari highlighted grassroots workers who remain committed to community development without holding elected positions. He praised Bhaiyyaji Bhigade, who attended the programme, for his dedication and sensitivity towards community issues.
He said such grassroots workers represented an important strength for the community and added that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and he would support constructive initiatives aimed at advancing the community.
