Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, while addressing the Convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur on Saturday, emphasised the importance of equality and firmly rejected caste-based politics.
Gadkari stated that a person’s true value lies in their qualities, not in their caste, religion, language, or gender. “A person is not known by their caste, sect, religion, language or sex, but only by their qualities. That is why we will not discriminate against anyone based on caste, sect, religion, language, or sex,” he said, highlighting the need for fairness and equal treatment.
Even though caste-based identity often plays a key role in politics, Gadkari reaffirmed his refusal to participate in such practices, even if it costs him votes. “I am in politics, and here all of this goes on, but I refuse this even though it may or may not get me votes,” he remarked. He went on to recall instances where individuals approached him on the basis of caste, but said he remained firm in his beliefs.
Sharing an anecdote with the audience, Gadkari said, “I told 50,000 people, ‘Jo karega jaat ki baat, uske kass ke maarunga laat,'” expressing his strong opposition to caste-based discussions. “My friends told me that I may have caused self-harm by saying this. But I am not concerned about it; one does not lose his life if he loses elections. I will stick to my principles,” he added.
(With ANI inputs)