Gadkari Warns BJP After LS Poll Setback: 'Don't Repeat Congress' Mistakes'

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to avoid repeating the errors that led to the Congress party's downfall. Speaking at a BJP executive meeting in Goa, he emphasised that if the BJP mimics the Congress's past mistakes, there would be no point in their rise to power. His comments came after the BJP fell short of its target in the Lok Sabha Elections.

Gadkari highlighted that the BJP was chosen by voters due to Congress's failures. He warned that repeating those mistakes would render the change in leadership meaningless. "If we commit the same mistakes, then there is no use in their exit and our entry," he stated. He also stressed that politics should be used as a tool for social and economic reforms.

BJP's Unique Identity

During his address, Gadkari recalled a statement by his mentor, Bharat Ratna LK Advani, who described the BJP as a "party with a difference." Gadkari reiterated this sentiment, urging party members to understand what sets them apart from other political parties. He emphasised the need for a corruption-free country and called for a strategic plan to achieve this goal.

Referring to Maharashtra politics, Gadkari criticised caste-based politics prevalent in his home state. He declared his decision not to engage in such practices and warned against those who promote caste divisions. "Jo karega jaat ki baat, usko padegi kaske laath (the one who will speak about caste will get a strong kick)," he cautioned.

Leadership Presence

The meeting saw attendance from various leaders including Sadanand Tanavade, the state unit president, and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Gadkari's speech aimed to remind party members of their responsibilities and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in politics.

Gadkari concluded by stating that an individual's values define them more than their caste. His remarks were aimed at encouraging party members to focus on integrity and social reform rather than divisive politics.