Gadkari on Modi: Cannot discuss problem,will solve it

Gadkari added that he would speak to Modi soon to invite him to his sons wedding.

Conceding a problem between him and Narendra Modi,BJP president Nitin Gadkari said that the last conversation he had with the Gujarat chief minister was several weeks ago at the wedding reception of Zee head Subhash Chandras son.

Speaking to The Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta on NDTVs Walk the Talk to be broadcast on Saturday,Gadkari expressed confidence he would be able to solve the problem with Modi. This is not a problem which I am supposed to discuss in the media. In political organisations,there are always some problems. But we can solve it, he said. He added that everyone is an asset and that it was for him,as BJP president,to see how talent should be used in the party.

Asked when was the last that he had actually talked to Modi,the BJP president said their last conversation was weeks ago when the two met at the wedding reception. Gadkari added that he would speak to Modi soon to invite him to his sons wedding.

Seen as the BJPs posterboy and by far the strongest satrap in the saffron outfit,Modi had stayed away from campaigning in the recent Assembly elections in five states despite the leadership repeatedly requesting him to join. The strain between Modi and Gadkari as well as other senior leaders including L K Advani,many in the party feel,has got a lot to do with the leadership tussle that is certain to come up sooner than later.

In the interview,though,Gadkari,maintained he is not a Prime Ministerial candidate of the BJP. I will commit to you,I will never take that post even if offered to me. I am not in the mood to accept. I know my limitations he said. He asserted though that he would contest the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

On the crisis in Karnataka,Gadkari admitted that the defiance shown by B S Yedyurappa was not good for the party. At the same time,he gave a clean chit to him. As far as the court decision is concerned,it has shown that Yedyurappa is not guilty. But after that what has happened in Karnataka,I am very hurt by that. Indiscipline is not good for the party. Everyone should be a disciplined soldier of the party. I am very sympathetic about Yedyurappa. But at the same time it would be difficult to carry decisions under pressure, he said adding that the central leadership would take a decision at the appropriate time.

Gadkari conceded that the induction of the NRHM scam-tainted Babu Singh Kushwaha was a mistake but added that the chapter was closed. Whenever we take decisions,there may be some mistakes. We have to improve it. he said.

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On the policy freeze in the government and the BJP stand on key economic Bills,he said that the BJP was willing to support the government if it reached out to the Opposition. We are definitely for discussion. I say here to Pranab Da,please call the leader of opposition to your house,and hundred percent we will support you. But do not call the media,we will support. he said.