Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stoked a row after he said that those who can fool people, are the best politicians. He went on to say that talking is easy and doing is difficult. The Road Transport and Highways minister also said in his field (politics), telling the truth wholeheartedly is discouraged.
“Jo logon ko sabse acchha moorkh bana sakta hai, wahi sabse acchha neta ho sakta hai (One who can fool the people is the best leader),” he said, adding that leaders who convince people by fooling them are the best ones.
Gadkari on importance of truth
Stressing on the value of truth, Gadkari quote the teachings of the Mahanubhav sect founder Chakradhar Swami. He said that change in a person is related to the values taught to him.
“Chakradhar Swami taught values of truth (satya), non-violence (ahimsa), peace (shanti), humanity (manavta), and equality (samanta). Satya is the basis of our life, and we should follow it,” he said while asserting that one must spread positivity and not hurt anyone,” he added.
He also quoted Lord Krishna from Bhagavad Gita and said the holy book gives the message that truth always wins. “One thing is true though: Lord Krishna has written in the Bhagavad Gita that truth is the ultimate victor,” he added.
Gadkari on who is the best leader
He used a popular Marathi phrase- ‘Hause, Navse, Gavse’- which means everyone has his own style and motives, adding that the best leadership is defined by how well a person can mislead or deceive the masses.
The minister also warned the people against shortcuts: “There are shortcuts to achieve things — you can break rules, cross a red signal, or jump ahead — but a philosopher has said, ‘shortcuts cut you short,’” he added.