Expectations From Modi Regime Have Increased

In popular perception, as also in BW Businessworld surveys, Nitin Gadkari is rated as the most efficient and effective minister in the Narendra Modi cabinet. In a free-wheeling conversation with BW’s Suman K. Jha, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation talks about the government’s priorities as well as other pressing issues. Excerpts:

Is the Narendra Modi government already in election mode?

Every politician thinks about the next election. We are always in election mode — some people may express it, some may not. At the same time, developmental work is very important. In fact, I would never mix politics with development.

How will you beat anti-incumbency if the entire Opposition comes together?

An alliance of the Opposition parties is not on the basis of any ideology. It’s politics of convenience. I feel the Indian people understand what’s in the interest of the country and what’s not. The people have seen through the Opposition’s design.

PM Modi promised acche din. Do you think that has been delivered?

One hundred per cent! Take our flagship schemes. The Ujjwala Yojna is about letting the poor experience the convenience of LPG stoves. More than eight crore gas cylinders have been delivered. In the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna, 32 crore bank accounts have been opened — the earlier figure was only three crore.

The new entrants into the system are getting debit cards. The Bhagyashri Yojna takes power to the farthest corner of the country. The recently launched health insurance scheme, which provides coverage up to Rs 5 lakh, is revolutionary and will benefit the poor. All our schemes are geared to empowering the poor. Our increased MSPs will immensely help farmers. There is one hundred per cent satisfaction. However, as the people see a government working so hard, their expectations also increase manifold — this is also a reality.

The sector which has seen the most visible change during the tenure of this government is part of your ministry — the highways and road construction sector. How do you evaluate this change?