New Delhi : In a blunt and striking address during a Labour Day event in Maharashtra, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari pushed back against caste and religion-based narratives, saying access to essentials like fuel does not differ by faith.
Speaking in Nagpur, Gadkari said, “The price at which Hindus get gas, petrol and diesel, Muslims also get it at the same price.” His remarks come at a time when political discourse in several states has seen sharp religious and caste-driven campaigning during recent elections.
Gadkari made it clear that he distances himself from such divisions. “Outside, people may fight on caste lines, but I do not do that,” he said, stressing that such issues bring little real benefit to society.
He added that leaders who raise slogans around caste often act differently behind closed doors. “Many leaders shout slogans about caste. Then they come to my house and whisper in my ear asking for tickets for their sons or wives,” he said, calling them “hypocritical”.
STRONG WARNING TO POLITICIANS
In one of the most forceful lines of his speech, Gadkari warned against continuing caste-based politics. “Whoever talks about caste, I will kick him hard,” he said, drawing attention for the unusually direct tone.
His comments come in the backdrop of recent elections across several states, where Hindu-Muslim narratives and caste equations dominated campaign speeches and strategies.
Gadkari’s remarks stand out as a departure from that tone, focusing instead on uniform access to public goods and criticising political opportunism tied to identity-based appeals.
