Nitin Gadkari Condemns Caste-Based Politics: 'Jo Karega Jaat Ki Baat, Usko...'

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has strongly criticised caste-based politics, asserting that a person's greatness is defined by their qualities rather than their caste, religion, or gender.

Gadkari emphasised that he would not compromise on this principle, even if it affected his electoral prospects. Recalling an earlier speech, he said, "Jo karega jaat ki baat, usko kas ke marunga laat," which translates to, "I will kick hard anyone who talks about caste."

Photo Credit: PIB via PTI Photo

A former BJP president and three-time MP from Nagpur, Gadkari currently serves as the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. His ministry's efforts in expanding road infrastructure to the country's remotest regions have been widely praised.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur, he stated, "When Dr Abdul Kalam became a nuclear scientist, he achieved so much that his name became known across the world. I believe that a person does not become great by caste, sect, religion, language, or sex, but by qualities. That is why we will not discriminate against anyone based on caste, sect, religion, language, or sex."

Gadkari added that while he is involved in politics and meets caste-based leaders, he remains firm in his views. "But I am clear. I will live on my terms, whether or not I get votes. I once told a gathering of 50,000 people, 'Jo karega jaat ki baat, usko kas ke marunga laat,'" he reiterated.

He acknowledged that his stance could lead to political setbacks but remained unfazed. "My friends told me I may face setbacks due to this stand. But I am not concerned about it. Does anyone die if he loses an election? I will stick to my principles and practise them in my life."

Gadkari also stressed the importance of education. "Education does not just benefit you and your family. It develops society and the nation. Knowledge is power, and imbibing this power is your mission."

He mentioned that, despite popular belief, he is not an engineer, though he holds multiple academic distinctions.

"I have 12 D.Litt degrees, but I don't use the 'Dr' title. My story was... Emergency began in 1975 when I was in Class 11. I started working against the Emergency, my studies were affected, and I did not qualify for engineering. So a person who could not qualify for engineering, how can he be a doctorate? So I don't use the title."

Gadkari elaborated that he studied commerce and business management, holds records in civil engineering, and has degrees in agricultural science. He advised the graduating students, "So, understand the relationship between degree and success. Knowledge with entrepreneurship is very important. My advice to you is, don't be a job seeker, be a job creator."