Nitin Gadkari bats for younger generation amid Cabinet reshuffle buzz

At a time when the possibility of a major cabinet reshuffle is gaining momentum, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that his involvement in public work has reduced, and he could not work as much as he could earlier.

Addressing the gathering at an event in Nagpur, the Union Minister further stated that it was time for the younger generation to be provided with an opportunity to take the work ahead.

Gadkari on handing over the reins

“These days, I can't do as much work. I did it when I could. Now, my involvement has diminished. Work should be handed over to the new generation. A new generation has come, and the older generation is guiding them,” said Gadkari as quoted by India Today. ‘

Elaborating on his illustrious political career, Gadkari said that he has been in active public life for nearly three decades.

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“I have been continuously working in public life for the last 30 years. I have seen many ups and downs and received many awards. But I can’t work much now; the new generation should be given a chance to work,” he added.

Gadkari also spoke about the development work planned for the coming years, saying that the scale of work would increase further. He said the focus would remain on ensuring that no tribal village in Maharashtra was left without electricity, while development reached different parts of the state.

Gadkari's office clarifies

However, days after his remark on August 23, the Union Minister's office on Tuesday (August 25) issued a clarification stating that they were meant only for Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, an organisation established by him that runs Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal areas and has nothing to do with his political career.

"In that context, Gadkari said that he could no longer take on as much work as before and that the younger generation should be given an opportunity to take greater responsibility. His remarks were clearly related to the functioning and future leadership of the Trust," stated the minister's office, adding that some TV channels erroneously gave it a political context.

BJP's generational shift

His remarks came days after the BJP carried out a major organisational overhaul. The BJP last week announced its new national team under party president Nitin Nabin. The 65-member team has 51 new faces, pointing to a generational shift within the organisation.

The new line-up includes 13 national vice presidents. Among them are former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia and former RSS functionary Ram Madhav. Former Union minister Smriti Irani has also been named among the party's eight national general secretaries.

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The changes within the organisation have since led to speculation over a possible reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Union Cabinet.

The developments come as attention remains focused on the BJP's new organisational structure and the changes it could bring to the party's leadership at the national level.