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Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. (PTI file photo)
Gadkari made this revelation during a journalism award ceremony in Nagpur but did not provide specific details about the incident or name the opposition leader
Union Minister and prominent BJP leader Nitin Gadkari revealed on Saturday that he turned down an offer for the Prime Minister’s position from a senior opposition leader ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Gadkari made this revelation during a journalism award ceremony at the Nagpur Press Club.
Speaking at the event, he noted that he firmly rejected the offer, stating, “I told the leader that I am guided by a particular ideology and firm beliefs. I am part of a party that has given me everything I could have ever dreamed of. No offer can tempt me.”
While Gadkari did not provide specific details about the incident or name the opposition leader, he stated that the offer was made in the context of speculation that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) might not secure a full majority in the 2024 general elections and could need support from opposition parties.
During the same event, Gadkari slammed so-called “supari journalists” who misuse the Right to Information (RTI) Act for blackmail and personal gain, Hindustan Times reported.
Recounting a past incident, he described a situation where a journalist allegedly used RTI to blackmail officials in the Public Works Department (PWD). “One of my officers informed me about this blackmail. I told him, ‘what that journalist comes to your office, lock the door and give him a good thrashing.’ And they did. After that, the publication he worked for stopped circulating,” he disclosed.
Expressing concern about such “unethical practices”, the Union Minister urged media organisations to exercise greater caution when issuing authority cards.
Despite these issues, Gadkari acknowledged that many journalists continue to uphold ethical standards. He highlighted examples of journalists who, even during the Emergency, remained steadfast in their principles and refused to compromise, even when faced with imprisonment.