“Everyone should be free to express their opinions, and those in power should tolerate criticism,” says Nitin Gadkari

The minister stressed the importance of the government being open to criticism in a democracy. Recalling a lesson from his childhood, he said, “When I was young, my mother used to say ‘a critic should be our neighbor,’ so they can point out our flaws, allowing us to improve.” He added that the real test of democracy is whether those in power can accept and reflect on criticism.

Gadkari further remarked that differences of opinion exist in every sphere, including politics. He pointed out that the true issue is not having differing views, but rather the loss of individuality and the absence of opinions altogether. “We are neither rightists nor leftists; we are opportunists,” he commented.

Discussing the freedom to elect representatives, Gadkari stated that he works for everyone, regardless of whether they vote for him or not. “It is for us to decide whether we want to lead the people or be led by them,” he said.

Touching on the role of merit in politics, Gadkari said that family background doesn’t guarantee success. “Being someone’s son or daughter is neither a virtue nor a flaw. One must demonstrate their own ability, merit, and worth to hold a particular position.”

He also expressed that a person’s identity should not be defined by caste, religion, gender, or language. “The core values of all religious teachings, whether from the Bhagavad Gita, Quran, or Bible, are fundamentally the same,” Gadkari said, asserting that a nation cannot progress when divided by issues such as casteism and untouchability.

Gadkari also emphasized the importance of religious freedom in democracy. He said, “It is an individual’s choice what they believe in, which God they pray to, and how they worship.” He highlighted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as an example of secularism, noting that Shivaji never destroyed places of worship from other religions. Gadkari concluded by advocating for social harmony, asserting that “whoever talks about caste, I will kick them hard.”