Offered PM post by opposition leader before 2024 Lok Sabha polls: Gadkari

“I immediately rejected the offer. I categorically told that leader, I am a person who believes in ideology and conviction. I have always lived and worked on principles,” he added. “I made it clear that I never harbored the ambition of becoming the PM of the country. Therefore, there was no question of taking any offer. My upbringing is such that I have lived on certain principles and conviction, which are non-negotiable and cannot be compromised.”

Although Gadkari refrained from identifying the opposition leader or sharing more details, his revelation has come as a surprise to many within his own party.

Despite his roots in the RSS-BJP, Gadkari has cordial relations with leaders across parties, including Congress. In Maharashtra, Gadkari has excellent equations with both Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray as well as NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar.

Often Pawar and Gadkari, despite representing two ideologically different parties, have shared dais at social events and praised each other.

Reiterating his long-standing friendship with Communist leader A B Bardhan, Gadkari said, “I was often asked about my friendship and respect for Bardhan. I liked his commitment and conviction to his party. Whether it is politics or any profession what matters is conviction.”

“There are journalists who dedicate their lives working honestly. But over the years there has been rise in ‘supari journalists’. These types misuse Right to Information to blackmail persons and serve their own vested interests. I know such a person who owns a Mercedes car,” he said.

Expressing his admiration for The Indian Express, Gadkari said, “We all know the tremendous role of Ramnath Goenka. During Emergency there were journalists who even went to prisons and stood by their principles.”