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Chadar Presented On Behalf Of Gadkari And Gehlot At Ajmer Sharif Dargah

January 9, 2025, 2:21 am

A chadar was presented on behalf of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti. The spiritual event at the Dargah in Ajmer was marked by prayers for peace, brotherhood, and prosperity in the country.

Gadkari’s Message Of Peace And Harmony

The chadar on behalf of Gadkari was presented by Khadim Syed Afsan Chishti, who placed it at the tomb of Khwaja Garib Nawaz. In his message, Gadkari expressed congratulated the followers of Khwaja Garib Nawaz worldwide and highlighted the significance of Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb and social harmony, which the saint’s teachings have always championed. Gadkari emphasised the saint’s contribution to India’s spiritual traditions and called for the continued service to humanity, as exemplified by the Sufi saint.

On the same day, a velvet chadar and flowers were offered at the Dargah on behalf of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. The Waqf Board Chairman, Khanu Khan Budhwali, along with several Congress leaders, carried the chadar and offered prayers for the peace and prosperity of the country and state. In his message, Gehlot praised Khwaja Garib Nawaz for his spiritual contributions and commitment to serving the oppressed, the weak, and fostering brotherhood. He stressed that during these times of divisive forces, the message of national unity preached by Khwaja Garib Nawaz holds immense importance.

Budhwali Reads Gehlot’s Message At Buland Darwaza

Budhwali read Gehlot’s message at the Buland Darwaza, where he extended his tribute to the saint and prayed for the success of the Urs. The ceremony was attended by a large gathering, including Congress leaders and local officials, all coming together to honour the spiritual legacy of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.

The occasion of the Urs brought together pilgrims from across communities and nations, all seeking blessings and spreading the message of peace and unity taught by Khwaja Garib Nawaz.

Government Announces Rs 1.5 lakh Cashless Treatment for Road Accident Victims, Check details

January 8, 2025, 12:18 pm

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed a new initiative to provide cashless treatment for road accident victims by March 2025. The scheme will offer up to Rs 1.5 lakh in medical expenses for up to seven days after an accident. It will cover accidents involving motor vehicles on all types of roads.

How the Scheme Will Work

The National Health Authority (NHA) will oversee the program. It will collaborate with police, hospitals, and state health agencies. The program will run through an IT platform, connecting the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ e-Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) app with the NHA’s Transaction Management System.

Pilot Launch and Expansion

The initiative started as a pilot project in Chandigarh on March 14, 2024. It then expanded to six more states. The goal is to provide timely medical care during the crucial “golden hour” after an accident.

Focus on Road Safety and Driver Fatigue

Gadkari also addressed the need to tackle road safety issues. He mentioned plans to regulate working hours for commercial drivers. This policy will mirror pilot regulations to address driver fatigue, a leading cause of fatal accidents.

Additionally, he noted the country faces a shortage of 22 lakh drivers.

Key Topics at the Road Transport Workshop

A two-day workshop held from January 6–7, 2025, focused on improving road transport. Key discussions included speeding up the Vehicle Scrapping Policy and nationwide implementation of PUCC 2.0. They also reviewed timelines for BS-VII norms aimed at reducing pollution.

Plans for Driver Training and Vehicle Safety

Gadkari announced plans to establish Driver Training Institutes (DTIs) across India. These institutes will receive incentives, along with additional benefits for integrated infrastructure. He also stressed the need for new safety regulations for E-Rickshaws.

The workshop also highlighted several other safety measures. These include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for trucks, stricter enforcement of retro-reflective tape on vehicles, and introducing vehicle location tracking devices (VLTD) to ensure safety for women and children.

Looking Ahead

By March 2025, the government aims to integrate all faceless services across India. This move will further enhance road safety and streamline transport systems nationwide.

Nitin Gadkari Unveils Rs 12,500 Crore Plan To Boost Delhi’s Infrastructure, Reduce Pollution

January 2, 2025, 8:32 pm

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced a Rs 12,500 crore investment to improve Delhi’s transport network, aimed at reducing pollution and congestion in the city. In addition, he revealed an additional CRIF fund of Rs 1,200 crore for the national capital.

In a post on X, Nitin Gadkari shared, “Recognizing the important proposals given by Union Minister of State H D Malhotra including Delhi MPs Praveen Khandelwal, Ramvir Bidhuri, Bansuri Swaraj, Manoj Tiwari, and Yogender Chandoliya to find solution to the traffic and pollution problem of Delhi, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, new works worth Rs 12,500 crore are being announced to improve Delhi’s transport network and to reduce pollution as well as congestion in the city.”

He mentioned that these efforts would alleviate the pressure from vehicles coming from outside Delhi and reduce both traffic jams and air pollution. “Along with this, a CRIF fund of Rs 1,200 crore was also announced in Delhi,” he added.

Gadkari outlined several key projects, including Rs 2,500 crore for providing connectivity from UER-II to Delhi-Katra Expressway via KMPE, which would create a direct route for vehicles coming from Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab to Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Additionally, Rs 2,200 crore will be invested to provide direct connectivity from UER-II near Alipur to Delhi-Dehradun Expressway near Tronica City, facilitating vehicles traveling to Dehradun from Haryana and Rajasthan. Vehicles coming from Dehradun will also have an alternative route to the airport via UER-II and Dwarka Expressway, reducing travel time from 1.5 hours to 45 minutes.

He further highlighted the construction of a 5 km tunnel, costing Rs 3,500 crore, from Shiv Murti to Nelson Mandela Marg (Vasant Kunj), which would address traffic congestion in the Mahipalpur and Rangpuri areas. This project will also relieve commuters in Delhi and Gurugram. Additionally, connectivity from the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway to Noida would provide a bypass for East Delhi. North Delhi, North-West Delhi, and South-West Delhi will also gain direct access to Noida via Ghaziabad. This project would cost Rs 4,400 crore.

Gadkari also stated that over the next two years, a Rs 1 lakh crore investment would be made to revamp Delhi’s infrastructure.

Video Leak!: Nitin Gadkari’s Chopper Checked By EC Officials Following Uddhav Bag Search

November 13, 2024, 9:31 am

In Maharashtra’s Latur on Tuesday, election officials inspected Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s Chopper upon his arrival for a campaign event, marking a similar move to their inspection of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray’s belongings earlier in Yavatmal and again in Latur. Thackeray and his allies allege the repeated inspections of his bags signal unfair treatment by election authorities, raising concerns about partiality amid the ongoing Model Code of Conduct (MCC) enforcement.

Election Commission Enforces SOPs to Ensure Fair Campaigns

Videos from Latur captured election officials boarding Nitin Gadkari’s Chopper and inspecting bags inside, adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) intended to maintain a fair playing field and prevent illegal distribution of cash or gifts to voters. The Election Commission (EC) defended these measures, noting that they are standard during elections to ensure compliance with MCC guidelines, intended to curb any undue influence on voters.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

BREAKING: EC officials search chopper carrying Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Minister permitted the search without complaint.
Earlier search of Uddhav Thackeray’s bags by EC officials led to I.N.D.I.A bloc accusing of singling out opposition leaders. pic.twitter.com/kD1cjmFah3

— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) November 12, 2024

Thackeray’s Frustration Grows After Repeated Inspections

Thackeray’s belongings were first inspected in Yavatmal on Monday and again the next day in Latur, where he was campaigning for Shiv Sena UBT candidate Dinkar Mane in the Ausa constituency. Thackeray expressed visible frustration during the second inspection, questioning officials about their motivations and asking for their names, postings, and appointment details. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), he sarcastically referred to himself as the “first customer” for such checks.

WATCH:

उद्धव ठाकरे आज वणीमध्ये संजय देरकर यांच्या प्रचारासाठी पोहोचल्यानंतर हेलिकॉप्टरमध्ये उतरताच निवडणूक अधिकाऱ्यांनी बॅगेची तपासणी केली. #MaharashtraAssemblyElections2024 pic.twitter.com/wZPpGvGXju

— Girish Kamble (@GirishKamble22) November 11, 2024

Thackeray further questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah faced similar scrutiny during their Maharashtra campaign rallies, insinuating a perceived bias against opposition leaders.

Political Reactions: Ruling Alliance and Opposition Clash

Leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance responded by questioning why Thackeray opposed the checks if there was no reason for concern, suggesting that the inspections should not be an issue if he had nothing to hide. However, leaders of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allege that the inspections are part of a strategy to intimidate and inconvenience opposition leaders ahead of the November 20 assembly polls.

WATCH:

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, “The Election Commission does its work during the elections… Our luggage, helicopter, private jet, cars, everything is checked. They reach our homes. We dont have a problem with it if it is done impartially.… pic.twitter.com/sht2ARmWuh

— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2024

Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut expressed skepticism over the impartiality of election authorities, highlighting that while they respect the EC’s duties, the consistency of inspections should be ensured across parties. Raut alleged that significant funds were being moved by leaders in the ruling Mahayuti alliance and questioned if their belongings faced equal scrutiny.

Nitin Gadkari Receives YouTube Golden Button Reciprocates His Popularity| Watch

November 6, 2024, 9:57 pm

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari was honored with YouTube’s prestigious ‘Golden Button’ Award on Wednesday, recognizing the immense popularity of his content on the platform. The award was presented to him by Ajay Vidyasagar, Regional Director of YouTube at Google Asia Pacific.

In a heartfelt message, Gadkari expressed his gratitude, calling the award a symbol of the “people’s trust and support” towards him. He thanked YouTube for acknowledging the public’s appreciation, writing on X, “A symbol of people’s trust and support – honored to receive the Golden Button for sharing the journey with you all! Thank you, YouTube!” The post was accompanied by a video of the award ceremony.

A symbol of people’s trust and support – honored to receive the Golden Button for sharing the journey with you all! Thank you, YouTube!#YoutubeGoldenButton @YouTube @YouTubeIndia @ajayvidyasagar pic.twitter.com/Mjaree2Nur

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) November 6, 2024

Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has amassed over one million subscribers on his YouTube channel, where he has posted nearly 4,200 videos. His content includes coverage of inaugural ceremonies he attends, updates on new roadways and expressways, and speeches delivered to various organizations. In 2021, he uploaded a video titled “Things to know about Nitin Gadkari,” which has since been pinned to his channel. The video portrays him as a “visionary leader with an impressive track record.”

Kunal Kamra Reaches Out To Nitin Gadkari To Do Something About Ola India

October 28, 2024, 4:48 pm

Comedian Kunal Kamra’s ongoing dispute with Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal over the state of Ola’s electric scooter service has escalated to involve government figures. Kamra recently urged Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to intervene, citing poor service at Ola’s centers, where he claims electric scooters are left unattended and without qualified technicians. Kamra highlighted this after retweeting a video from a customer who showed Ola scooters in disrepair at a Solapur service center. The comedian’s posts on X (formerly Twitter) question the company’s accountability, with claims that consumers, especially those who depend on scooters for daily work, are left in difficult positions due to Ola’s alleged service issues.

Minister @nitin_gadkari please look at the plight of indian customers,
their voices aren’t heard.
They can’t get to work.
They are taking bad loans to solve an issue that is primarily Ola’s responsibility…
When will government agencies intervene? https://t.co/nJYapedavI

— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) October 28, 2024

Kamra’s criticism started on October 6, when he shared an image showing dozens of scooters awaiting repair at an Ola service center. He questioned whether Indian consumers “have a voice” and called for anyone with grievances against Ola Electric to share their stories. Aggarwal dismissed Kamra’s post as a “paid tweet” and took a jab at the comedian, saying, “Since you care so much, come and help us out!” Aggarwal added that Kamra could join Ola and receive a higher salary than what he allegedly earns from comedy.

I have no choice but to accept @bhash’s offer to work with OLA…
After being tagged thousands of times I anyway feel like I am an OLA employee.
OLA can seal this collaboration by committing to the below action points & looking forward to joining. pic.twitter.com/flqOgIkUo6

— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) October 28, 2024

Kamra further amplified his criticisms by asking Ola to issue full refunds to any dissatisfied customers who had purchased an Ola electric scooter in the past four months. In response, Aggarwal claimed Ola is actively expanding its service network to clear backlogs, maintaining that “99% of customer complaints” have been resolved, as previously stated by Ola’s CFO, Harish Abhichandani. Kamra, however, continued his call for accountability, posting a video clip mocking Aggarwal’s “arrogant” response and challenging the company’s reliability as an EV provider.

Also read: Raymond Chairman Gautam Singhania Slams Lamborghini India; ‘Complete Electric Failure’, ‘No Response’

This public feud comes as more users voice dissatisfaction, sharing issues like delayed repairs, poor customer service, and unqualified technicians at service centers. Kamra even referred to Aggarwal as “Olan Musk,” drawing comparisons to Elon Musk’s polarizing presence on social media, which has fueled public interest in this showdown and led to debates around Ola’s service standards and the broader challenges facing India’s EV sector.

Sanjay Raut Questions Railway Minister’s Accountability After Bandra Station Stampede

October 27, 2024, 4:36 pm

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut raised questions regarding the accountability of the Railway Minister following a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra railway station on Sunday morning, which left nine passengers injured. Raut emphasized the frequency of railway accidents since the Prime Minister Modi-led government took office for its third term, alleging that more than 100 lives have been lost in over 25 major incidents during this period.

“Since Modi government has come into power for the third term and the railway minister has been given the responsibility again, more than 25 major railway accidents have occurred in the country, claiming more than 100 lives,” Raut stated during a press conference.

Sanjay Raut criticized Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari

He also criticized Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, questioning the practicality of ambitious projects such as bullet trains and high-speed metros, while highlighting the lack of safety on the ground. “You talk about bullet trains, Metro, and high-speed trains, and Nitin Gadkari talks about running buses in the air. But what is the reality on the ground?” Raut remarked.

The stampede at Bandra station occurred on platform number 1, where a crowd gathered for the Bandra-Gorakhpur Express. Following the incident, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that the injured passengers have been transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Further details about the incident are awaited.

Promoting Electric Vehicles Key to Reducing Pollution: Nitin Gadkari

October 15, 2024, 4:27 am

At the “We Women Want” event 2024, organized by ITV Network, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, shared his vision of making India a carbon-free nation. He also presented the “We Women Want Shakti Awards” to the winners.
In his speech, Gadkari emphasized the need to reduce pollution by promoting electric vehicles such as electric scooters, buses, and cars. He mentioned that the car he currently uses is a flex-fuel vehicle, a Toyota model that runs on 60% ethanol and 40% petrol. He also highlighted the future potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Gadkari explained that the hydrogen-powered car, named Mirai, represents the future. He distinguished between different types of hydrogen—black hydrogen, produced from coal; brown hydrogen, derived from petroleum; and green hydrogen, generated from polluted water, biomass, or municipal waste.

Gadkari stressed the importance of reducing the cost of hydrogen production to one dollar per kilogram and acknowledged the challenges in building hydrogen transport infrastructure and fueling stations, but emphasized that hydrogen-powered transportation is the future.
He further stated, “If you want good services, you have to be willing to pay for them. Our budget has limitations, which is why we strive to be efficient with public funds. We also raise money from the capital market, where the interest rate is 8.05%. I have made investments that will benefit the middle class, and I’ll pose a few questions for you to consider. For instance, the time it currently takes to travel from Delhi to Dehradun is 9 hours. Starting from January 1st, it will only take 2 hours. Similarly, a trip from Delhi to Jaipur will take 2 hours, Delhi to Chandigarh 2.5 hours, Delhi to Amritsar 4 hours, and Delhi to Katra 6 hours. That’s a total of 14 hours. By using controlled-access expressways, not only will your fuel consumption be significantly reduced, but pollution will also decrease.
I urge you to appreciate the value of good services. Take the example of a 5-star hotel—if you host an event there, you’ll have to pay for it. Alternatively, you could hold it at Ram Leela Maidan, where we’d simply sit on two chairs and have a program, but the experience wouldn’t be the same.”
He also mentioned that 60 vehicle scrapping centers have now been established.
, and within the last 15 days to a month, all automobile manufacturers have started scrapping old cars. When you scrap your old car, you’ll receive a certificate that will give you a discount on a new car. He explained, “The pollution caused by 4 trucks today is equivalent to that of a single truck 15 years ago. When I was a student, I bought a Bajaj scooter, and I used to boast about its mileage of 32 km per liter. Now, the mileage is 90 km per liter. As technology advances, fuel efficiency improves, pollution decreases, and we save money. Now we have LNG trucks, which pay off their price in 2 years because where 100 rupees is spent on diesel, only 40 rupees is spent on LNG. People are also buying CNG scooters. I recently launched a Bajaj CNG motorcycle in Pune. If a petrol motorcycle costs 2.25 rupees per kilometer, the cost with CNG is just 1 rupee per kilometer.”

He asked, “How much money is saved through improved fuel efficiency in cars? A petrol car costs 2 rupees 25 paise per kilometer, while a CNG car from the same company costs just 1 rupee per kilometer. How much will you save over a ton of travel? If you use a petrol car, your fuel cost would be around 25,000 to 30,000 rupees, but if you switch to an electric car, your cost could be as low as 3,000 rupees. A CNG car would also reduce expenses significantly. So, not only will you save money and reduce pollution, but you’ll also lower material costs due to technological advancements.”

He went on to share the developments in Nagpur, saying, “We have built 4 bridges in Nagpur—there’s a road at the bottom, a flyover in the middle, then a railway bridge and the metro at the top. Additionally, Nagpur is the first city in India with a 24/7 water supply, and 70% of the water supply runs continuously. It’s also the first city where we sell treated wastewater, generating 300 crores by selling it to the Government of India. Recently, I developed an oxygen bird park on 20 acres of land, where we have planted fruit trees.”

On a societal note, he stated, “When you visit a restaurant known for good food, you don’t care about who’s cooking it. Similarly, there’s no place for caste-based queues or divisions in society. As a member of Lok Sabha, I made it clear during my election campaign that I would not engage in caste-based politics. I will not accept it. Vote for whoever you wish, but my constituency is a family, and everyone is welcome to be part of it. Caste, religion, and language should not be the defining factors—humanity is what matters. Gender and caste divisions are destructive, and by promoting social and economic equality, we can make Indian society better. Unfortunately, there’s a political race to manipulate these divisions for votes, which is not a healthy situation for our democracy.”

Bhavish Aggarwal And Kunal Kamra Clash On X Over Ola Scooters

October 6, 2024, 11:27 pm

The clash started when comedian Kunal Kamra took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the condition of Ola-made electric scooters, questioning their quality. Kamra posted an image of several Ola scooters outside a showroom for repair and raised concerns about Indian consumers, tagging authorities like Nitin Gadkari.

Bhavish Aggarwal’s Heated Response

Do indian consumers have a voice?
Do they deserve this?
Two wheelers are many daily wage workers lifeline…@nitin_gadkari is this how Indians will get to using EV’s? @jagograhakjago any word?
Anyone who has an issue with OLA electric leave your story below tagging all… https://t.co/G2zdIs15wh pic.twitter.com/EhJmAzhCmt

— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) October 6, 2024

Though Kamra didn’t directly tag Bhavish Aggarwal, the Ola CEO responded furiously. Aggarwal accused Kamra of making a “paid tweet” and ridiculed his comedy career. He invited Kamra to help fix the issues, stating, “I’ll even pay more than you earned from this paid tweet or your failed comedy career.”

Kamra’s Bold Challenge

Unfazed by the attack, Kamra shot back at Aggarwal’s accusations, sarcastically commenting on Aggarwal’s tone. He also challenged Aggarwal to prove that his posts were paid, stating that if proven, he would delete all his social media accounts.

Social Media Frenzy

The public exchange quickly gained traction, with netizens reacting to the heated argument. Some supported Kamra’s concerns about the quality of Ola scooters, while others backed Aggarwal’s efforts to address customer issues.

Nitin Gadkari Reveals He Declined Offer to Become Prime Minister, Cites Loyalty to Convictions

September 15, 2024, 8:26 am

Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Gadkari revealed that he declined an offer from a political figure to become Prime Minister, stating that achieving this role was not his life’s goal. Speaking at the late Anil Kumar Patrakarita Puraskar Samaroh organized by Vidarbha Gaurav Pratishthan on Saturday, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways emphasized his commitment to his principles and his party, declaring that he would not compromise on them for any position.

“I won’t name the individual, but someone approached me, saying, ‘If you aim to become Prime Minister, we’ll support you.’ I responded, ‘Why would I need your support, and why should I accept it?’ Becoming Prime Minister is not my life’s objective. I am devoted to my values and my organization, and I won’t compromise on these. For me, my conviction is paramount. I believe that conviction is the greatest strength of Indian democracy,” Gadkari remarked.

He also stressed that democracy can only thrive if all four pillars—the judiciary, executive, legislature, and media—uphold ethical standards.

Gadkari’s name had surfaced as a potential Prime Ministerial candidate in discussions during both the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As a well-known BJP leader, he has served as the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways since May 2014 and has been elected to the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat three times.

In the 2024 election, Gadkari secured victory from the Nagpur constituency by a margin of 1,37,603 votes, defeating his Congress rival. However, this margin had decreased compared to his 2019 win, where he had defeated Congress candidate Nana Patole by 2,16,000 votes. Gadkari first ran for the seat in 2014, winning by 2,84,828 votes.

India To Export Lithium-Ion Batteries Soon, Says Nitin Gadkari

September 10, 2024, 9:55 pm

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, revealed on Tuesday that India will soon be in a position to export lithium-ion batteries. Speaking at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers’ (SIAM) 64th convention in New Delhi, Gadkari emphasized the strides India is making in lithium-ion battery production and research.

India’s Progress in Battery Manufacturing:
According to Gadkari, several Indian companies, including Tata, Maruti, Adani, LG, and Samsung, have ventured into lithium-ion battery production. He expressed confidence that India will soon become a global player in this field, similar to the country’s progress in semiconductor manufacturing.

EV Market Growth:
Gadkari also highlighted the rapid growth of India’s electric vehicle (EV) market, which is expected to reach one crore units in annual sales by 2030. This expansion will create five crore jobs, with the potential to become a ₹20 lakh crore market by the same year. To remain competitive, the industry must focus on quality, innovative designs, and advanced technology.

Government Initiatives and Testing Agency:
The government is working on establishing a world-class testing agency for vehicle manufacturing research. A new CIIT Training Institute is being built in Pune with a sanctioned budget of ₹450 crore, which will ensure top-notch testing and research facilities.

Scrappage Policy and Industry Support:
Gadkari urged the automobile industry to support the government’s scrappage policy, which aims to promote the removal of old vehicles from the roads. He praised the industry’s decision to offer a 3% discount to customers who scrap their vehicles, noting that it could reduce component costs by 20-40%. He also called on manufacturers to set up their own scrappage centers.

Future Vision for the Automobile Industry:
In his closing remarks, Gadkari stressed the automobile industry’s key role in India’s economic transformation. He outlined the ambition to make India the top auto manufacturing hub in the world, with a focus on sustainable practices and achieving carbon-neutral status by 2070.

Scrapping Old Vehicles Can Get You Big Discounts, Says Nitin Gadkari

August 27, 2024, 4:56 pm

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that buyers scrapping their old vehicles can now avail significant discounts when purchasing new ones, thanks to agreements with several major vehicle manufacturers. This initiative is part of the government’s push to promote the circular economy and encourage the use of cleaner, safer, and more efficient vehicles on Indian roads.

Gadkari stated, “I am pleased to report that, in response to my recommendation, several commercial and passenger vehicle manufacturers have agreed to offer discounts for the purchase of new vehicles against the scrapping of older vehicles with a valid Certificate of Deposit.”

As per a report in The Times of India, these discounts are expected to range from 1.5% to 3.5% for buyers trading in old vehicles for new ones. The move is seen as a boost to the vehicle scrappage policy, which has had limited impact since its introduction.

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Vinod Aggarwal earlier highlighted the need for more government incentives to make the scrappage policy more effective. “We are expecting that the government could do something more on the incentives for the scrapping of vehicles, because the scrappage policy is already in place but we have not seen much impact of that,” he said. He added that additional measures are necessary to accelerate the removal of old, polluting vehicles from the roads.

This initiative is anticipated to provide a much-needed push to the scrappage policy and enhance the adoption of environmentally-friendly vehicles across the country.

Congress Targets PM Modi Over Nitin Gadkari’s Letter On GST

July 31, 2024, 9:50 pm

The Congress party has launched an attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following union minister Nitin Gadkari’s letter to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, which they claim signals internal dissent and rumblings against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Gadkari’s Concerns on GST

In his letter, Gadkari urged Sitharaman to withdraw the 18 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on life and medical insurance premiums. He expressed concerns on behalf of the Nagpur Division Life Insurance Corporation Employees Union, which had submitted a memorandum regarding issues in the insurance industry. Gadkari argued that taxing life insurance premiums equates to taxing the uncertainties of life.

“The Union feels that the person who covers the risk of life’s uncertainties to give protection to the family should not be levied tax on the premiums to purchase cover against this risk,” Gadkari wrote.

Congress’ Reaction

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh took a swipe at the BJP over the letter, stating, “Nitin Jairam Gadkari’s letter to the FM on the Budget is a sure sign of internal dissent and rumblings against the non-biological PM,” in a post on X.

Gadkari’s Request to the Finance Minister

In his letter, Gadkari asked Sitharaman to roll back the tax as it becomes burdensome for senior citizens. “You are requested to consider the suggestion of withdrawal of GST on life and medical insurance premium on priority as it becomes cumbersome for the senior citizens,” he wrote. He also mentioned that the 18 per cent GST on medical insurance premiums is hindering the growth of this socially necessary business segment.

Additionally, Gadkari highlighted other issues raised by the union, including differential treatment of savings through life insurance, the reintroduction of income tax deductions for health insurance premiums, and the consolidation of public sector general insurance companies.

This development has fueled speculation about internal disagreements within the BJP and has provided the Congress with an opportunity to critique the Modi administration.

Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Killed in Airstrike in Iran, 24 Hours After Sharing Stage with Nitin Gadkari

July 31, 2024, 4:56 pm

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a predawn airstrike in Tehran on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after sharing the stage with Union minister Nitin Gadkari and other international leaders at the inauguration of Iran’s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The inauguration ceremony on Tuesday was attended by senior officials from various countries, including Armenia, Tajikistan, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Cuba, and Brazil. European Union envoy Enrique Mora was also present.

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Attended the swearing-in ceremony of Iran's President, H.E. Masoud Pezeshkian, in Tehran today. Heartfelt congratulations to H.E. @drpezeshkian on behalf of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, the Indian Government and people of India.

We look forward to… pic.twitter.com/1oqnTE8aer

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 30, 2024

Regional Iran-backed allies such as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Islamic Jihad Ziyad al-Nakhalah, Lebanon’s Hezbollah deputy secretary general Naim Qassem, and Yemen’s Huthi rebels spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam were also in attendance.

Iran’s supreme leader has vowed revenge against Israel for the assassination of Haniyeh, which risks escalating the ongoing conflict. Israel, which had previously pledged to target Hamas leaders following the group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, has not commented on the airstrike.

The airstrike on Haniyeh followed an Israeli strike on a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut, Lebanon, earlier in the day.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari attended the inauguration ceremony, reflecting close ties between India and Iran. Gadkari conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes to President Pezeshkian and highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the two countries, including the development of Chabahar Port.

‘Tax on Life’s Uncertainties’: Nitin Gadkari’s Letter to Nirmala Sitharaman

July 31, 2024, 12:51 pm

Amid widespread criticism of Budget 2024, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging her to withdraw the GST imposed on premiums for life and medical insurance.

In his letter, Gadkari explains that he is responding to a memorandum from the Nagpur Divisional Life Insurance Corporation Employees Union. The union’s primary concern is the 18% GST on life and medical insurance premiums. Gadkari argues that taxing life insurance premiums equates to taxing the uncertainties of life.

“The union believes that individuals who invest in life insurance to protect their families should not be taxed on these premiums. Similarly, the 18% GST on medical insurance premiums is hindering the growth of this essential sector. Therefore, they have requested the removal of this GST,” Gadkari stated.

He also mentioned that the union raised additional issues, including the differential treatment of savings through life insurance, the re-introduction of income tax deductions for health insurance premiums, and the consolidation of public and private general insurance companies.

“In light of these concerns, I urge you to consider the removal of GST on life and medical insurance premiums as a priority, especially since it imposes a burden on senior citizens and requires extensive verification,” Gadkari wrote to Sitharaman.

Gadkari’s letter comes amidst criticism of the first Budget of the third Narendra Modi government, presented last week. The Opposition has accused the Centre of favoring states governed by its allies, TDP and JD(U), while some social media users have criticized high tax rates on the salaried class.

Finance Minister Sitharaman has dismissed the Opposition’s claims, asserting that the Centre has allocated funds to all states. She clarified that the omission of a state’s name from the Budget speech does not mean it is excluded. The BJP has defended the Budget, stating that its policy priorities aim to achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’—a developed India—by 2047.

Finally, A Big Relief For Jammu Residents As Nitin Gadkari Agrees To Exclude Highway Wall

July 3, 2024, 8:31 pm

New Delhi/Jammu, July 03: Residents of Jammu living along the National Highway from Kunjwani to Narwal have received a significant reprieve as Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, agreed to exclude the construction of a blind wall, a move that has been met with widespread relief and appreciation.

The decision, announced following a crucial meeting of the National Highway Authority of India chaired by Gadkari, comes after prolonged protests and opposition from local residents, who argued that the wall would adversely impact their daily lives and business activities.

Jugal Kishore Sharma, a senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament, expressed gratitude to Gadkari for listening to the concerns of the people of Jammu and addressing their demands. Sharma, accompanied by other senior BJP leaders from Jammu, including Devender Singh Rana, Vikram Randhawa, and Sham Lal Langar, Chairman of the party’s Traders Cell, highlighted the impact the wall would have on the commercial hub and livelihoods along the highway stretch.

“This decision brings immense relief to the residents on both sides of the highway, who have been worried about the economic and social consequences of the proposed blind wall,” said Jugal Kishore Sharma.

Stakeholders in Jammu had been advocating for a flyover instead of the blind wall, citing concerns that the wall would restrict access and visibility, thereby affecting businesses, educational institutions, and local markets along the route. The area encompasses essential infrastructure like schools, hospitals, malls, and transport hubs, which would have been significantly impacted by the wall’s construction.

Tarun Chugh, BJP National General Secretary, had earlier conveyed these concerns to Gadkari, emphasizing the need to preserve the vibrant commercial environment and ensure seamless connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

After multiple rounds of discussions and representations from local leaders and stakeholders, Gadkari assured that the National Highway Authority of India would reconsider the project’s design to address the community’s concerns effectively.

“With the exclusion of the blind wall, we ensure that developmental projects align with the community’s aspirations and needs,” emphasized Gadkari during the announcement, underscoring the government’s commitment to responsive governance and inclusive development.

The decision reflects a collaborative effort between the government and local stakeholders to mitigate adverse impacts on community life while advancing infrastructure projects that promote sustainable development and economic growth in Jammu.

Nitin Gadkari Clarified After Bridge Collapse In Bihar’s Araria Just Before Inauguration

June 19, 2024, 5:56 pm

After a video of bridge collapsed in Bihar surfaced on social media on Tuesday, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari issued a post of clarification on X that it was not undertaken under his ministry but under the Rural Development Ministry.

बिहार के अररिया में दुर्घटनाग्रस्त पुलिया का निर्माण केंद्रीय सड़क परिवहन मंत्रालय के अंतर्गत नहीं हुआ है। बिहार सरकार के ग्रामीण विकास मंत्रालय के अंतर्गत इसका काम चल रहा था।

— Office Of Nitin Gadkari (@OfficeOfNG) June 18, 2024

Earlier on Tuesday, Bridge over Bakra river in Bihar’s Araria collapses before inauguration. The approximate cost was Rs 12 crore. The video captured the moment when a bridge connecting the K

ursa Kanta and Sikty areas in Araria district, situated over a fast-flowing river, tilted to one side before ultimately collapsing.

Srinivas BV criticized the ‘double engine government’ after the bridge collapsed before its inauguration. He referenced a similar incident last June when strong winds partly washed away a temporary bridge over River Ganga in Vaishali district, Bihar. The temporary bridge provided a connection between Raghopur and the Vaishali District Headquarters.

Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Nitin Gadkari’s Hat-Trick; Wins Nagpur A 3rd Time

June 4, 2024, 5:56 pm

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Result: Nitin Gadkari hits a hat-trick winning from the Nagpur constituency again three times in a row. He has won before from the same constituency in 2014 and 2019.

As the Lok Sabha Election 2024 Result comes to a close, let’s have a look at the political career of Nitin Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

Nitin Gadkari, born on May 27, 1957, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, has played a significant role in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Known for his focus on sustainable development and clean energy, Gadkari has been instrumental in promoting initiatives to encourage the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources as the Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

Under his leadership, several key infrastructure projects have been prioritized, including the development of the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and Vadodara-Mumbai Expressway. Additionally, initiatives such as the Bharat Mala project, aimed at constructing 5,500 km of new roads along India’s international borders and coastal areas, highlight his commitment to infrastructure development.

Rise in Politics

Gadkari’s political career began during his college days when he joined the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Rising through the ranks of the BJP, he served as the President of the Maharashtra BJP from 2004 to 2009, overseeing significant electoral victories for the party in the state.

During his tenure as the Minister for Public Works in the Maharashtra government from 1995 to 1999, Gadkari spearheaded infrastructure projects like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, revolutionizing connectivity in the region.

Gadkari’s commitment to social work was strengthened following the imposition of emergency by Indira Gandhi in June 1975, leading him to dedicate his life to public service. He holds degrees in M.Com, LLB, and a diploma in business management.

Gadkari is set to contest once again from the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency in 2024, aiming for a third consecutive victory.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 Live: Nitin Gadkari leads with a margin of 37,863 votes

June 4, 2024, 10:30 am

According to Election Commission data, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is currently leading in 24 seats, while the INDIA bloc is ahead in 22 seats. Union Minister and BJP candidate from Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, Nitin Gadkari leading from the seat with a margin of 37,863 votes.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, Nitin Gadkari leading from the seat with a margin of 37,863 votes.

(file pic) pic.twitter.com/MVV3K98e0n

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2024

Notably, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has secured its first seat with Imtiaz Jaleel Syed winning in Aurangabad. In individual contests, Union Minister Piyush Goyal holds the lead in Mumbai North, while Supriya Sule of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is maintaining a significant margin over her sister-in-law and opponent Sunetra Pawar.

With the spotlight on 289 counting centers across 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra, the Mahayuti alliance (comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by CM Eknath Shinde, and NCP led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (led by Sharad Pawar’s NCP, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, and the Congress) are engaged in a fierce battle for political dominance. Exit polls have buoyed the hopes of the Opposition, with most predicting 23 to 32 seats for the NDA and 16 to 25 seats for the INDIA bloc.

Among the 1,121 candidates in contention, notable figures include Union ministers Nitin Gadkari (Nagpur seat), Piyush Goyal (Mumbai North), Narayan Rane (Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg), Raosaheb Danve (Jalna), Bharti Pawar (Dindori), and Kapil Patil (Bhiwandi). However, one of the most closely watched contests is unfolding in Baramati, where Supriya Sule, daughter of Sharad Pawar and incumbent NCP MP, is facing off against her sister-in-law Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, who orchestrated a split in the NCP last year.

Nagpur: The Congress Bastion

May 13, 2024, 4:23 am

Post-independence, Nagpur continued its allegiance to the Congress, with the party dominating the electoral scene for years but saffron party is using all its might and succeeded to dent their votes from last two general polls.

Nagpur Lok Sabha seat is one of the 48 Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies of Maharashtra state in western India. This constituency is spread over Nagpur city and some part of Nagpur district.

Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency is not just about the conventional political dynamics; it harbors a few quirky and unusual facets that add a unique flavor to its character. In essence, Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency transcends the mundane with its quirky blend of political prominence, fruity heritage, spiritual gatherings, historical oddities, climatic surprises, cultural amalgamation, and linguistic diversity. It’s a microcosm where the weird and the wonderful coexist, adding layers of fascination to its identity. Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency has seen its share of interesting parliamentarians over the years.

Here are some facts about a few notable ones: Anasuyabai Kale: She was the first an Indian politician to get elected to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India, from Nagpur as a member of the Indian National Congress in 1952. She was re-elected as a member of the 2nd Lok Sabha in 1957.

Prior to her election to the Lok Sabha, Kale had been a member of the Assembly of the Central Provinces and Berar, to which she was nominated in 1928. She also served in 1937 as Deputy Speaker of the Central Provinces Legislative Assembly. In 1948, she was president of the All India Women’s Conference.

She was a descendant of The Diwan of Aundh state. She married into the cadet branch of Kale of Waghere, Nashik. She was educated at Hujur Paga High School and Fergusson College in Poona and then at Baroda College, Baroda. She was married to Purushottam Balakrishna Kale. She had three sons and two daughters. After winning Lok Sabha election from Nagpur in 1957, she died mid-term two years later.

Jambuwantrao Dhote: Known for his independent political stance, Jambuwantrao Dhote was a Member of Parliament from Nagpur in 1971 and 1980 from Indian National Congress. He was Member of Parliament from Nagpur (Lok Sabha constituency) in 1971 to 5th Lok Sabha, defeating his Congress rival. When Indira Gandhi split Congress in January 1978, he joined her Congress(I) party. He was elected for second time from Nagpur in 1980 to 7th Lok Sabha as a Congress candidate.

He was a vocal advocate for farmers’ rights and was known for his straightforward approach to issues affecting the common people. Apart from Politics, Datta Meghe has established a chain of CBSE Schools, Medical Colleges, Engineering Colleges, Hospitals, Banks, Spinning mills, IT firms in urban & especially rural areas to provide the best of facilities at extremely affordable rates.

Dhote left Congress soon, and founded Vidharbha Janta Congress (VJC) Party on 9 September 2002. He was elected to Maharashtra Assembly 5 times. He was elected from Yavatmal in 1962 and 1967 elections as a Forward Bloc candidate, and in 1978 as Congress member. He died on 18 February 2017 due to a heart attack in Yavatmal. He can be remembered as the only ‘mass leader’ of Vidarbha to date.

Vilas Muttemwar: A seasoned politician from the Congress party, Vilas Muttemwar served multiple terms as the Member of Parliament from Nagpur. He held portfolios like Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Minister of State for Finance. His contributions include efforts towards rural development and economic policies. In 2009 general elections, he received 3,15,148 votes against Banwarilal Purohit, who has managed to receive 2,90,749 votes.

Muttemwar served as a member of the Lok Sabha representing the Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency several times. He is the only politician from Nagpur constituency who had been constantly elected as the Parliamentarian for seven times. He is the most revered and respected politician of his times.

He served as the Minister of State in the Department of Rural Areas and Employment, Ministry of Rural Development and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao between 1995 and 1996 and as Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from 23 May 2004 till 22 May 2009.

Banwarilal Purohit: Before becoming the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Banwarilal Purohit was a Member of Parliament from Nagpur in 1984 and 1989. He has a long political career and has been associated with various parties over the years, including the Congress and the BJP. His tenure as an MP was marked by his involvement in issues related to education and social welfare. Purohit is an Indian politician who is serving as 29th Governor of Punjab, India and Administrator of Chandigarh from September 2021. He was the former Governor of Tamil Nadu from 2017 to 2021, and former Governor of Assam from 2016 to 2017. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was a Member of Parliament from the Nagpur (Lok Sabha constituency) three times, twice as an Indian National Congress member, once as a BJP member.

Datta Meghe: A prominent educationist and politician, Datta Meghe represented Nagpur in the Lok Sabha in 1991. He was known for his contributions to the field of education and healthcare, having established various educational institutions and hospitals in the region.

Meghe is currently a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party and former & senior member of Indian National Congress. He was elected to Lok Sabha as a member of Congress Party in Maharashtra state. He was a Member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, representing Maharashtra, from April 2002 – 2008.

Earlier he was Member of Legislative Council of Maharashtra from April 1978 to June 1991 for three times and also during 2001-April 2002.

Nitin Gadkari: A prominent figure in Indian politics, Nitin Gadkari represented Nagpur in the Lok Sabha. Gadkari first time contested from Nagpur in 2014 and emerged victorious against Congress’ Vilas Muttemwar. In this election, Gadkari garnered 587,767 votes and Muttemwar received 3,02,919 votes. He again claimed victory in 2019 by defeating Nana Falgunrao Patole by a margin of 2,16,009 votes. Interestingly, Gadkari garnered a whopping 660,221 votes. For 2024, Gadkari is again contesting from the same constituency raising the hopes of the saffron party to claim the victory third time in a row. That will be a record for a non-Congress party into the bastion of the grand old party.

Gadkari is a seasoned politician, who has held key ministerial positions, including Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation. Known for his focus on infrastructure development, he’s credited with initiatives like the Bharatmala project and Sagarmala project. He is an Indian politician from Maharashtra, who is the current Minister for Road Transport & Highways in the Government of India. He is also the longest serving Minister for Road Transport & Highways currently running his tenure for over nine years. Gadkari earlier served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 2009 to 2013. He is also known for his work as the Public Works Department Minister of the State of Maharashtra, where, under his leadership, a series of roads, highways and flyovers across the state were constructed. He currently represents the Nagpur constituency in the Lok Sabha and is a lawyer by occupation.

He previously also served as a Minister in various departments which includes Water resources and River development, Shipping, Rural Development and MSME. During the cabinet reshuffle on 7 July 2021, the portfolio for the Ministry of MSME which was under him was reassigned to Narayan Rane, another BJP MP from Maharashtra as a part of cabinet expansion. He is often referred to as the “Expressway Man of India” by the media due to his initiation of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and contributions to the development of expressways and other road infrastructure. The World Economic Forum has recognised him as the “pioneer of public–private partnership (PPP) in the road sector in India”. Under his tenure as Minister of Road and Transport, Indian highway network grew by 59% within 9 years.

These parliamentarians have left their mark on Nagpur’s political landscape through their contributions to governance, policy-making, and public service, making them interesting figures in the constituency’s political history.

Highlights of the Constituency

The historical political landscape of Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency reflects a dynamic interplay of various political parties, leaders, and socio-economic factors.

Here’s an overview: Pre-Independence Era: Before independence, Nagpur was a significant political center in Central India. It was part of the Central Provinces and Berar, a region under British colonial rule. The political landscape during this period was shaped by movements for self-governance, with leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale making their mark.

Post-Independence: After independence, Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency emerged as a crucial political battleground. Initially, the Indian National Congress dominated the political scene, reflecting the broader national trend. Leaders like Dhananjayrao Gadgil, Nandatai Waghaye, and Vasantrao Naik were prominent figures from Nagpur who played significant roles in Congress politics.

Emergence of Opposition: Over time, opposition parties gained ground in Nagpur. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its earlier avatar, the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, started making inroads. Leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Nitin Gadkari emerged as influential BJP figures in Nagpur and contributed to the party’s growth in the region.

Regional Parties: Alongside national parties, regional parties and movements also influenced Nagpur’s political landscape.

The Vidarbha region, including Nagpur, saw movements advocating for separate statehood or greater autonomy.

This led to the emergence of regional parties and leaders who championed regional issues.
Coalition Politics: The political landscape in Nagpur, like elsewhere in India, also witnessed coalition politics. Parties formed alliances or coalitions to maximize their electoral prospects. These alliances sometimes reshaped the traditional Congress versus Opposition narrative.

Shifts in Power: The political landscape of Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency experienced shifts in power dynamics. While the Congress held sway for significant periods, the emergence of strong opposition parties like the BJP led to competitive electoral contests.

Key Issues: Political discourse in Nagpur often revolved around issues like regional development, industrial growth, agriculture, infrastructure, and identity politics. Leaders and parties tailored their agendas to address these issues, influencing voter sentiments.

Current Scenario: In recent years, the BJP has gained dominance in Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency.

Leaders like Nitin Gadkari, who has a strong base in Nagpur, have played instrumental roles in the BJP’s electoral success in the region.

Overall, the historical political landscape of Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency reflects a complex interplay of national and regional dynamics, party ideologies, leadership, and socio-economic factors, shaping the course of electoral politics over time.

Nitin Gadkari Faints Due to Heat During Rally

April 24, 2024, 6:51 pm

During a campaign event in Maharashtra’s Pusad, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari collapsed on stage while addressing the audience. Fortunately, he regained consciousness and continued with his campaign activities.

Gadkari attributed his fainting spell to the intense heat during the rally. He reassured his well-wishers of his good health and expressed gratitude for their support. As a prominent figure in the BJP’s campaign efforts for both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections of 2024, Gadkari has been actively participating in rallies nationwide.

He is competing for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat against Congress’ Vikas Thakre, the current Nagpur West MLA. Despite facing stiff competition, Gadkari remains confident in his victory, stating that he is “101 per cent sure” of winning the election in his constituency.

101 pc sure of my victory: Nitin Gadkari on winning election from Nagpur

March 27, 2024, 4:10 pm

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, contesting from Nagpur Lok Sabha constituency for the BJP, expressed utmost confidence in his victory, asserting, “I am 101 per cent sure of my victory.” He aims to secure a significant win with a margin exceeding five lakhs, attributing this to public support, party workers’ dedication, and his efforts.

Gadkari outlined his development agenda for Nagpur, emphasizing plans to transform the city into a pollution-free and green city. He stated, “The all-round development of Nagpur Vidarbha has been the initial resolution of my political life.” His agenda includes focusing on tourism, industry, IT, MIHAN development, and purifying the Nag river.

The Union Transport Minister highlighted his vision for a sustainable transportation system, stating, “The transport here will run on electric, alternative fuel or biofuel. The use of petrol and diesel will be negligible.” He also plans to create green spaces, playgrounds, swimming tanks, and health clubs in each Vidhan Sabha constituency.

In terms of employment generation, Gadkari mentioned, “Till now, 68 thousand jobs have been provided under MIHAN. I will try to take the figure to one lakh in a year.”

Gadkari’s campaign strategy revolves around connecting with people directly, stating, “Connecting with people- man to man, heart to heart, house to house- is the specialty of my campaign.” He also utilizes technology to communicate messages effectively.

In an innovative move, Gadkari invited suggestions from voters for his future vision, stating, “I have asked for suggestions from voters till March 30. I will study the suggestions given by people and then declare my next vision.”

Rejecting the notion of election management, Gadkari emphasized genuine public support, saying, “I do not have to manage the election. You can understand whatever you want to.” He emphasized that people attend his rallies voluntarily, without inducements, and pledged to work with those who truly support him, his party, and Prime Minister Modi.

Nitin Gadkari sends legal notice to Congress for sharing twisted clipped video from interview

March 2, 2024, 1:44 pm

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has sent a legal notice to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, alleging the dissemination of misleading and defamatory content.

The matter revolves around a 19-second video clip from an interview conducted by India Today Group’s Lallantop with Gadkari. Congress leaders are accused of sharing this video out of context to tarnish Gadkari’s reputation.

In the video, Gadkari discusses the challenges faced by the poor, farmers, and villagers. He highlights the unhappiness among these groups due to issues like inadequate infrastructure in villages, lack of drinking water, substandard hospitals, and poor-quality schools.

However, the shared video by Congress omits the segment where Gadkari addresses the problem of rural-urban migration and excludes his remarks about the NDA government’s efforts to enhance the lives of villagers, the poor, laborers, and farmers.

The legal notice accuses Congress leaders of intentionally concealing the context of Gadkari’s interview to create confusion, sensationalize the issue, and harm the Union Minister’s reputation. It asserts that sharing the clipped video aims to sow discord within the party.

The notice demands the removal of the posts from the microblogging site within 24 hours and requires a written apology to Gadkari within three days. Failure to comply will prompt Gadkari to pursue civil and criminal actions against the Congress leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma

January 5, 2024, 3:41 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a courtesy call from Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Thursday. This is his first official visit to New Delhi since taking the oath of office. In addition to congratulating the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister promised him that the central government would provide the support required for all Mizoram economic development initiatives. Regular meetings on important matters concerning the state’s development initiatives were also recommended.

“Productive meeting with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji today. Delighted to strengthen our collaboration for the progress and development of #Mizoram. Looking forward to frequent discussions on key issues,” Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said in a post on X.
Lalduhoma discussed wide range of issues including Myanmar refugees in Mizoram, and about Indo-Myanmar border with the Prime Minister.
The Chief Minister also extended a courtesy visit to Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, at his residence and discussed with him various on-going road projects by NHIDCL in different parts of Mizoram.

India aims for 1 crore annual EV sales by 2030, promising 5 crore jobs: Gadkari

January 2, 2024, 3:54 am

India is likely to see 1 crore Electric Vehicle (EV) sales a year and the segment is expected to generate about 5 crore jobs by 2030, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said.

Addressing the 19th EV EXPO 2023, Gadkari, “As per the Vahan database, 34.54 lakh EVs are already registered in India.” The Union Road Transport and Highways minister asserted that India has the potential to become number 1 EV maker in the world and the government is committed to making India a self-reliant country in clean energy production and mass application.

Gadkari said the government has also permitted retrofitting of existing polluting vehicles into hybrid and fully EVs. The regulations have been finalised and technology demonstrations done successfully, he added.

He said the government intends to shift public transport and logistics to EVs. The regulations have been finalised and technology demonstrations done successfully, he added. Electric vehicles have been gaining popularity worldwide as people become increasingly aware of the adverse effects of fossil fuel-powered vehicles on the environment.

In India, the rise of electric vehicles has been slower than in some other countries, but there are indications that this trend is changing. In this article, we will explore the rise of electric vehicles in India and consider whether they could be the future of transportation.

CHALLENGES TO THE ADOPTION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN INDIA
There are several challenges that need to be addressed for electric vehicles to become more prevalent in India. One of the main challenges is the need for charging infrastructure. While the government has announced plans to set up charging stations across the country, the progress has been slow, and many potential buyers are deterred by the fear of running out of charge during a long journey.
Another challenge is the high cost of electric vehicles. While the prices of electric vehicles have been coming down in recent years, they are still more expensive than their petrol or diesel counterparts. This makes them less accessible to the average consumer.
Finally, the range of electric vehicles still needs to be improved, which makes them unsuitable for long-distance travel. While this is less of an issue for urban commuters, it remains a significant concern for those who need to travel long distances.

THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN INDIA
Despite the challenges, there are indications that the future of transportation in India could be electric. The government has set a target of achieving 30% electric vehicle replacement by 2030, and several manufacturers have announced plans to launch electric vehicles in the coming years.
Another positive development is the increasing focus on renewable energy in India. The government has set a target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, and there are plans to increase this to 450 GW by 2030. This will help to reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles and make them a more sustainable mode of transportation.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a budgetary allocations of INR 35,000 crore for significant capital expenditures targeted at attaining transition to renewable energy and net-zero objectives by 2070 in the 2023–24 Union Budget. She also said the government would provide scalability gap financing to assist Battery Energy Storage Systems with a capability of 4,000 MWH. The Faster Adoption of Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles Scheme-II (FAME-II) and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme are two government programs that have previously been made available to electric car manufacturers (PLI).

Further, the discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in the Indian region of Jammu and Kashmir is a significant development for the country’s electric vehicle industry.

Lithium is a critical component in the production of batteries used in electric vehicles, and currently, India relies heavily on imports for its lithium requirements. The discovery of these reserves is expected to significantly reduce India’s dependence on imports and make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible to the masses.

Nitin Gadkari Greenlights Rs 1170.16 Crore for 29 Road Projects in Ladakh

December 29, 2023, 3:00 pm

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has approved a substantial allocation of Rs 1170.16 crore for 29 road projects in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The sanctioned projects, encompassing state highways, major roads, and district roads, aim to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in this strategically significant region.

In addition to the road projects, Gadkari revealed that Rs 181.71 crore has been allocated for eight bridges under the CRIF Scheme for the fiscal year 2023-24. The Minister emphasized the pivotal role these initiatives play in fostering economic activities, particularly in agriculture and tourism, while improving connectivity to remote villages in Ladakh.

Taking to social media, Gadkari underscored the importance of the approved projects for Ladakh, the largest Union Territory in terms of area and the second least populous in India. The government’s commitment to comprehensive development and connectivity in such strategic regions is evident through the allocation of funds for road projects and bridge development.

The diverse portfolio of road projects reflects a tailored approach to Ladakh’s unique geographical and connectivity needs. Given Ladakh’s challenging topography and geographical remoteness, the approved initiatives are poised to facilitate smoother transportation and drive economic progress in the region.

Gadkari’s announcement aligns with the broader vision of the government to create robust infrastructure networks, fostering local development and contributing to the overall advancement of the nation. The infusion of funds into road projects and bridge development demonstrates a dedicated focus on enhancing connectivity and promoting comprehensive growth in strategically important areas like Ladakh.

Uttarakhand tunnel collapse: CM Dhami to conduct rescue operations on-site today

November 19, 2023, 10:23 am

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami will examine the operations on the ground on Sunday amid the continuing efforts to free the workers trapped in the Uttarkashi tunnel, a section of which collapsed earlier, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) announced in a statement. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari will accompany the chief minister when he visits the tunnel site on Sunday.

“Along with the Chief Minister, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is also arriving to take stock of the relief and rescue work,” the CMO added in its statement.

On Saturday, a former advisor to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) took stock of the relief operations at the under-construction Silkyara Tunnel located on the Uttarkashi-Yamnotri road.

The local administration on Saturday informed that it would deploy a tree-cutting expert as part of the ongoing efforts to extricate 40 workers trapped inside the tunnel for seven days now.

A tree-cutting expert, Ashiq Hussain, was called by the Forest Department to the tunnel site, officials said on Saturday.

Officials added that they were trying to reach the workers through vertical drilling from the upper part of the tunnel.

Additionally, Chris Cooper, a specialist in microtunnelling, arrived at the Silkyara tunnel incident site on Saturday to supervise and monitor the rescue effort. Cooper is a chartered engineer with extensive experience completing major international civil engineering projects, including railways, mining projects, large caverns, metro tunnels, and dams.

Nitin Gadkari inaugurates country’s tallest national flag at Attari-Wagah border

October 20, 2023, 1:29 pm

In Punjab’s Amritsar district, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled the nation’s tallest flag, measuring 418 feet, at the border of Attari and Wagah. Bhagwant Mann, the chief minister of Punjab, was also in attendance. Nitin Gadkari said, “It is the golden day of my life,” in an interview with ANI on Thursday. This is my first visit to the Attari-Wagah border. Here is where the tallest national flag was installed by NHAI. You can feel inspired to be patriotic here. I’ve built many tunnels and bridges in my life, but this is the most incredible. I’m overjoyed. I express my gratitude to the jawans securing our borders.”

Earlier last month, the Poonch Brigade of the Indian Army on September 21 unfurled a 72-feet-high national flag at Ajote War Memorial in Poonch to honour the fallen heroes of the district. Indian Army in collaboration with Flag Foundation of India installed the national flag.
The National Flag is a horizontal tricolour of saffron (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle and green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is two to three. In the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel which represents the chakra.
The top saffron colour indicates the strength and courage of the country. The white middle band indicates peace and truth with Dharma Chakra. The green shows the fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land.

Here’s what Nitin Gadkari says on additional 10% GST on diesel vehicles

September 12, 2023, 1:28 pm

Union Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has proposed a 10% increase in diesel car prices in order to discourage polluting automobiles.

“Today evening, I am meeting the Union finance minister (Nirmala Sitharaman). I have already prepared a letter where I proposed an additional 10 per cent GST,” Gadkari said in an event organized by the industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers in Delhi focused on sustainable mobility.

In a positive indicator, he stated that diesel vehicle sales had decreased from 52% in 2014 to 18% presently. India wants to achieve 50% of its energy demands through renewable sources by 2030, and the increased GST may deter new buyers.