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Business News›Magazines›Panache›Panache People 101›Nitin Gadkari
    Nitin Gadkari

    Nitin Gadkari

    Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India
    Birth DetailsMay 27, 1957 | Nagpur
    NationalityIndian
    LeaguePolitician
    EducationB.Com., LL.B. Educated at G.S. Commerce College, Nagpur University and University College of Law, Main Branch, Nagpur
    Nitin Gadkari's Journey so far ...
    • Nitin Jairam Gadkari is a B.Com graduate from Nagpur University, he then went on to do LL.B from the city's University College of Law. His family is involved in agriculture
    • In 1979, he became Secretary, Vidarbha region of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s student wing, and successfully organised its 28th National Convention
    • In 1981, he was appointed as President-Nagpur City of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the BJP's youth wing. In 1985, he became Secretary-Nagpur City of the BJP
    • In 1990, Gadkari became a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) after successfully contesting elections from the Nagpur division’s Graduates Constituency. He was re-elected as MLC in 1996
    • He was made the PWD Minister in the NDA government in Maharashtra in 1995. He earned a reputation as a capable state minister thanks to several infrastructure projects.
    • He wasted no time and in a day, transferred all PWD assets in Mumbai to MSRDC. Thus came into existence a body that went on to build some 55 flyovers in Mumbai and the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, all completed in the promised time frame, earning him sobriquets like “bridge bhushan” and “flyover man”.
    • Gadkari was the key person behind the concept of public-private partnership (PPP) in infrastructure development in India. The BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model is based on this concept which is now widely implemented in India
    • Acknowledging his skills, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had made him in-charge of the NDA’s committee on infrastructure. He also headed the former PM’s dream Golden Quadrilateral project and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
    • At 52, he became the youngest BJP president, in December 2009. He travelled across India highlighting the UPA government's failures in controlling inflation and corruption
    • In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Gadkari won the Nagpur constituency by an impressive margin of 2.85 lakh votes. He was given the high profile Union ministry of road transport, highways, shipping and water resources with the task of modernising India's infrastructure
    • One of the most lauded ministers in the first Modi cabinet, he acquired a reputation for efficiency and execution. Gadkari is credited with lifting highways construction to over 30 km a day from 12 km when he took charge in 2014. Under his watch, projects such as Sagarmala and port-led development were kicked off
    • Thanks to a stellar performance, the feisty leader cemented his electoral muscle in Nagpur with a second Lok Sabha win in 2019. He has been the longest-serving minister for road transport & highways. He played a key role in launching the new Motor Vehicles Act
    • Gadkari has also been BJP’s troubleshooter in Goa, sorting out the political chaos that ensued after the death of Manohar Parrikar

    Before you go ...
    • He co-authored a book, India Aspires: Redefining Politics of Development, with BJP spokesman Tuhin Sinha
    • Allegations over dubious deals regarding his Purti group surfaced to haunt him in 2012
    • Gadkari is a die-hard foodie and is an authority on vegetarian and Maharashtrian food. He also loves to take his friends on culinary trips

    Last Updated: 27/09/2021

    Nitin Gadkari News

    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urges road safety reforms, highlighting the heavy toll of road accidents and advocating for holding guardians accountable for reckless driving. New median designs and additional foot over bridges are planned, along with safety audits and better emergency response guidelines.
    • India faces a significant challenge as road accidents claim more lives than wars and militancy. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the need for regular safety audits and improved project reports to address the issue. Collaborative efforts with IITs are essential for reducing accidents, which account for a 3% GDP loss.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted that road accidents in India cause more deaths than wars, militancy, and Naxalism. He stressed the impact of poor road engineering on accident rates and emphasized the importance of lane discipline and highway safety audits. Gadkari also mentioned new guidelines for ambulance drivers to improve response times should be implemented.
    • These discounts will be extended for a limited period of one year by passenger vehicle makers, and two years by commercial vehicle makers, according to an official statement. The announcement came after a meeting of Minister for Road, Transport & Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari with representatives of the automobile industry.
    • Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday announced that commercial and passenger vehicle manufacturers have agreed to offer discounts for the purchase of new vehicles against the scrapping of older vehicles with a valid Certificate of Deposit.
    • Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles (VECV) has signed an initial agreement with Baidyanath LNG Private to deploy 500 LNG trucks, aiming to develop green trucking routes and expand the LNG Corridor in India. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated Baidyanath LNG's third facility in Nagpur and flagged off the Eicher Pro 6055 LNG trucks.
    • TMC leader Derek O'Brien has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to remove the 18% GST on health and life insurance premiums at the upcoming GST Council meeting. He argues that the tax is a burden on the middle class and may discourage people from buying or renewing insurance. O'Brien cited a February 2024 report from the Standing Committee on Finance recommending a reduction in GST rates to make insurance more affordable.
    • Polling dates for Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir were announced today. Nagpur, the hometown of key political figures, saw BJP winning six seats in 2019 while Congress took four, NCP one, and an independent candidate grabbed one. The election results will follow the announced dates.
    • Gadkari's ultimatum comes in response to recent incidents affecting the construction of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. Reports indicate that engineers and workers have been attacked in Jalandhar and there have been threats of arson and violence against the project camp and staff in Ludhiana. Gadkari emphasised that the cancellation of even one segment of these greenfield corridors could render the entire project ineffective.
    • In the Lok Sabha, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari received praise from Opposition members, who expressed they had missed him during his recent absence due to a PM-assigned visit to Iran. Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad commended Gadkari's work ethic.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that India's logistics cost is expected to drop to 9 per cent of GDP by April next year, which will likely boost exports. Current logistics costs are around 16 per cent, with NCAER estimating them between 7.8 and 8.9 per cent in 2021-22.
    • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed in the Rajya Sabha that a letter from Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, which requested the removal of the 18% GST on health and life insurance, was released publicly without his permission. Sitharaman criticized the opposition for using this unauthorized disclosure to push their agenda.
    • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed concerns about the 18% GST on health insurance during a Lok Sabha debate. She noted that the tax on medical insurance existed before GST was introduced and questioned whether those protesting had discussed removing this tax in their states.
    • Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari declared that the government would allow a 35% blend of lignin with petroleum-based bitumen to lessen dependence on imports and reduce costs. The move is also intended to address air pollution from stubble burning. Bio-bitumen sourced from paddy straw has been successfully developed and patented. Numerous projects are underway to convert rice straw into different biofuels. These changes promise significant benefits for farmers and the environment, with trials to assess bio-bitumen's long-term performance in road construction currently being conducted.
    • Recently, Toyota has announced for setting up of a plant to produce flex cars in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore. Gadkari says Tatas and Suzuki are also working on producing 100 per cent ethanol or flex engine cars. In the two-wheeler segment Bajaj, TVS and Hero are making flex-engine bikes and scooters.
    • Approximately six months ago, a parliamentary standing committee led by Jayant Sinha also highlighted the need to reduce GST on health and term insurance. The current tax environment imposes significant levies not only on insurance but also on other essential services such as telecom, which also attracts an 18 per cent GST.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised that the BJP is not a dynastic party, highlighting his own journey from a poster-sticking worker to national president. He urged party members to focus on grassroots connections at a BJP convention. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated the opposition spreads misinformation about the BJP wanting to change the Constitution. He expressed confidence in the Mahayuti government's return to power after upcoming assembly polls.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday accused the BJP of engaging in "satta jihad (power jihad)", claiming that the party is trying to gain power by breaking other parties. Thackeray made these remarks while addressing party leaders during a two-day conclave in Pune, which is aimed at strategizing for the upcoming assembly polls in western Maharashtra.
    • The Government of India and the World Bank have entered into an agreement for the construction of the Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP)
    • West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee supported the removal of GST on life and medical insurance premiums, stressing its negative impact on essential needs. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari initiated this demand, supported by various opposition leaders. The GST council will address this issue in its upcoming August meeting.
    • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways plans to award road contracts worth Rs 3 lakh crore within the next three months, aiming to close the financial year with contracts worth Rs 5 lakh crore. This determination comes despite a slow start to the fiscal year, attributed to elections and the model code of conduct.
    • NHA, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, in coordination with local police, empanelled hospitals, state health agency, national informatics centre and general insurance council is responsible for implementation of the programme.
    • Nitin Gadkari, the Road Transport Minister, urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to eliminate the 18% GST on life and medical insurance premiums. He highlighted concerns raised by the Nagpur Division Life Insurance Corporation Employees Union about the fairness of taxing premiums, arguing it penalizes individuals seeking to insure against life's uncertainties and their families' protection.
    • The corridor, which provides connectivity to major economic centers within Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, will help reduce distance from Delhi to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) by about 180 km and reduce travel time by up to 50% to connected destinations, the minister said.
    • The Transport Minister noted that the Nagpur Divisional Life Insurance Corporation Employees Union urged the removal of GST on life and medical insurance premiums. They argued that taxing these premiums unfairly targets individuals seeking security for their families and hampers the growth of the medical insurance sector.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed that Rs 70,000 crore worth of projects for roads, highways, and expressways were underway in Delhi and nearby areas to alleviate traffic jams. Gadkari highlighted the adoption of fast-changing technology and the use of landfill waste in road construction.
    • In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said show cause notices have been issued to the contractor and the consultant looking after the supervision of construction of Silkyara-Barkot tunnel by the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
    • India has been deputing senior ministers and leaders to Iran on important occasions in the backdrop of the nature of the partnership. Earlier this year, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar represented India at Iran's former president Ebrahim Raisi's funeral. Raisi played a key role in the bilateral pact that will allow India operations of the Chabahar Port for 10 years. India had played a role in Iran's Brics membership last year.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the 2024-25 Budget enhances agriculture productivity, employment, and resources. Emphasizing infrastructure, innovation, and research, it promotes sustainable growth and social justice, ensuring significant advancement, enduring progress, and a resilient future for India under visionary PM Modi’s leadership, including next-generation reforms, tagged #BudgetForViksitBharat.
    • In Panaji, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari at a Goa BJP meeting with Sadanand Tanavade and Pramod Sawant, emphasized BJP's unique approach. Citing L K Advani during a 40-minute speech, Nagpur MP Gadkari warned against Congress-like mistakes, stressed corruption-free governance, and highlighted economic and social reforms. He urged the party's unity for upcoming 2027 elections, discouraging caste-based politics in Maharashtra.
    • Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari is set to convene a comprehensive review meeting with top officials from various ministries and contractors this month to address the high number of stalled highway projects. The primary objective is to resolve inter-ministerial issues and expedite project implementation. These efforts aim to curb escalating costs and time overruns by establishing new milestones, revising cost estimates, and outlining updated commissioning schedules for affected projects.
    • Bajaj Auto CNG Bike: Roads Minister Nitin Gadkari praised Bajaj Auto's CNG-powered Freedom 125, highlighting its cost-effectiveness. He predicted strong international demand, citing significant savings over petrol counterparts—Rs 1 per km for CNG versus Rs 2.25 per km for petrol.
    • India's Bajaj Auto has launched the world's first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered two-wheeler, the Freedom 125, in Pune. The entry-level vehicle, likely priced at Rs 95,000, aims to shake up the motorcycle market. CEO Rajiv Bajaj praised the bike as an avatar of freedom and freedom from petrol. Key features include telescopic front forks, mono-link suspension, front disc and rear drum brake setup, and a 125cc engine.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the inauguration of the STRR and Greenfield Corridor in Bengaluru. The Rs 17,000 crore STRR, started in 2022, will ease traffic and connect areas. The Rs 17,930 crore Greenfield Corridor, to be inaugurated by PM Modi, will cut travel time. Karnataka has received Rs 3.5 lakh crore for road work in a decade. Gadkari, at the Karnataka BJP special state executive meeting, expressed concerns about environmental clearances and urged the state to expedite approvals for Rs 2 lakh crore road projects.
    • The central government has formed eight Cabinet Committees, including the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, Economic Affairs, Parliamentary Affairs, Political Affairs, Security, Investment and Growth, and Skill Employment and Livelihood, with key ministers and special invitees designated to each committee to address various aspects of governance and decision-making.
    • On Saturday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced a master plan worth Rs 424 crore for upgrading facilities at the Badrinath temple. The initiative aims to enhance pilgrimage experiences while balancing environmental sustainability and economic growth.
    • Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has proposed the introduction of monthly or annual passes for cars on the National Highway network to simplify toll collection and reduce commuter hassles. This suggestion comes alongside his call for tolls to be waived on poorly maintained highways, emphasizing the need for quality service before collecting tolls.
    • Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized that highway agencies should not charge tolls for poorly maintained roads. Speaking at a global workshop on satellite-based tolling, he stressed that good services must precede toll collection. Gadkari addressed the inefficiencies and long wait times at toll plazas, promoting a GNSS-based toll collection system to enhance transparency and efficiency, reducing logistics costs and benefiting users.
    • Speaking at the international workshop on GNSS-based electronic toll collection in India, union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said since commercial vehicles including trucks account for 75% of annual toll revenue it is important that the new system is implemented on commercial vehicles first. India’s toll collection stood at Rs 64,809.86 crore in 2023-24 as against Rs 48,028.22 crore in 2022-23, an increase of 34.9%.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the oath as the opening day of the new Lok Sabha began. The BJP MPs raised chants of 'Modi, Modi' and 'Jai Shri Ram'. Opposition INDIA bloc members held up copies of the Constitution during the oath. The 262 members took oaths in Hindi, English, native languages, and Sanskrit. Senior BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab presided over the oath-taking of new members.
    • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari were sworn in as members of the 18th Lok Sabha. Singh retained the Lucknow seat, Shah retured from Gandhinagar, and Gadkari from Nagpur. Senior members Radha Mohan Singh and Faggan Singh Kulaste took oath as well and will assist pro-tem speaker B Mahtab in administering oaths over two days. Opposition members K Suresh, T R Baalu, and Sudip Bandyopadhyay did not take their oaths in protest.
    • Swapnil Jain, cofounder of Ather Energy, highlighted India's potential to emerge as a global leader in EV technology and design, attributing this progress to the government's 'Made in India' initiative. Jain also expressed optimism about future EV sales. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, was also present at the event.
    • Indian automakers are at a crossroads as they navigate the shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. Consumers are showing a preference for hybrids over EVs, sparking debate among automakers. The government's proposed tax reduction for hybrids has divided industry leaders, with some advocating for incentives solely for electric vehicles. The potential impact on sales volumes and climate goals is a central point of contention.
    • India plans to produce bio-bitumen from biomass to reduce imports and tackle stubble burning issues in road construction.
    • Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Monday that the NHAI will commence construction on the Rs 4,000-crore Chattergala tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir promptly. Gadkari chaired a review meeting the same day, attended by Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Jitendra Singh.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted a five-year extension to Principal Secretary PK Mishra and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, showing continuity and experience in his core team of Union ministers. The crucial Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) remains unchanged with key ministers continuing in their roles.
    • Senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari assumed office as Minister of Road Transport and Highways, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for reassigning him in Modi's third term. Known as the "Highway Man of India," Gadkari has overseen the construction of over 54,858 km of national highways in the past decade.
    • The Modi-led government announced the allocation of portfolios for several BJP Lok Sabha members, ensuring key ministers like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar retain their positions from Modi 2.0. New assignments include Ashwini Vaishnaw as Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology. Nitin Gadkari continues as Minister of Road Transport and Highways, and Sarbananda Sonowal as Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Shivraj Singh Chouhan gets agriculture and rural development, JP Nadda health, and Manohar Lal Khattar power, reflecting continuity and change in the cabinet.
    • One day after being sworn in, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is poised to continue his tenure overseeing the Road Transport and Highways Ministry for the third consecutive term. Moreover, Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra will join the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as Ministers of State (MoS) to assist Gadkari in his responsibilities.
    • NDA Full List Ministry Portfolio: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his third consecutive term on Monday by allocating key portfolios to ministers following their swearing-in ceremony. This cabinet formation includes 30 cabinet ministers, 36 ministers of state (MoS), and 5 MoS with independent charge from the BJP and its allies, marking the establishment of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under his leadership
    • In the recent induction of ministers into Modi's 3.0 coalition government, Maharashtra witnessed notable shifts in representation and dynamics. Let's delve into the details of these changes and the implications they hold for the state's political landscape.
    • In a grand ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Narendra Modi and his team of 71 took oath, marking the start of Modi 3.0. This new term retains key members from the previous government while introducing many fresh faces. The focus now shifts to the allocation of portfolios.
    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose a white kurta and churidar accented with a blue chequered jacket for his oath-taking ceremony on Sunday. He complemented his attire with black shoes at the swearing-in event held at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
    • Senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari, known as the 'Highway Man of India', has been instrumental in the construction of national highways and new roads, serving as the Minister for Road Transport & Highways in the last two governments led by Narendra Modi.
    • On Sunday evening, alongside Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, new faces like Manohar Lal Khattar, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Ravneet Singh Bittu may join the Union Council of Ministers. Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and others are anticipated to remain part of the government. Speculations abound about potential inclusions from Shiv Sena, including Prataprao Jadhav, and BJP, like C R Paatil and Jyotiraditya Scindia
    • Amidst anticipation surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new Union Council of Ministers, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to welcome several new faces into the government. As the swearing-in ceremony approaches, here's a glimpse into the potential lineup and the dynamics at play:
    • On Sunday, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra Modi is set to begin his third term, with the National Democratic Alliance playing a significant role. Around 30 ministers will be sworn in at the presidential palace, with their identities yet to be revealed but speculated upon by insiders. In the 2024 elections, Modi's BJP fell short, prompting negotiations with the 15-member coalition, the NDA, to secure parliamentary majority.
    • President Droupadi Murmu appointed Narendra Modi as the next Prime Minister of India after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) submitted letters of support. The appointment was confirmed by Rashtrapati Bhavan, stating that Modi will lead the 18th Lok Sabha. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for June 9.
    • India is set to introduce a new satellite-based toll collection system, a global first. Using GNSS and GPS, this system charges vehicles based on the distance traveled, eliminating toll plazas and improving the commuter experience. Unlike FASTag, it operates on the Global Navigation Satellite System, offering precise tracking. This innovation aims to modernize toll collection, potentially increasing revenue to Rs 1.40 trillion in the next few years. Despite challenges, such as infrastructure upgrades, this system signals a significant advancement in India's transportation sector.
    • Narendra Modi, at 73, assumed leadership of the NDA bloc and visited Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday to meet President Droupadi Murmu, formally submitting his claim to form the government. Beforehand, he conferred with BJP veteran L.K. Advani. Accompanied by alliance leaders such as Chandrababu Naidu and Eknath Shinde, Modi proceeded to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
    • Janasena Pary chief Pawan Kalyan has backed the proposal to name Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, stating that the country will never bow down to anyone as long as Modi remains the PM. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo N Chandrababu Naidu affirmed TDP's support for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and proposed Modi for the post, highlighting his vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Viksit Bharat. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised Modi's leadership and said the NDA government received praise worldwide due to its efficient government.
    • Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh proposed Narendra Modi as the leader of the NDA Parliamentary Party, supported by Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and other top NDA figures at the central hall of the old Parliament house. Singh praised Modi for expanding the BJP-led NDA, emphasizing the alliance's reflection of BJP's commitment, not just a necessity.
    • An election with surprising results as exit polls were inaccurate. Politicians, including established leaders, had unexpected victories and defeats.
    • Nitin Gadkari wins Nagpur Lok Sabha seat for the third time, defeating Congress' Vikas Thakre by 1,37,603 votes in 20 rounds of counting.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari achieves hat-trick victory in Nagpur Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra. His cabinet partner Piyush Goyal also wins. Maha Vikas Aghadi leads on 27 seats in Maharashtra.
    • In his inaugural Lok Sabha elections, Union Minister secured victory in Mumbai North, a constituency traditionally regarded as the BJP's stronghold in Maharashtra. For the 18th Lok Sabha, the BJP opted for a strategic shift by nominating Union Minister Piyush Goyal as their candidate for this constituency. This decision caught many off guard, given that BJP's Gopal Shetty had clinched this seat in the previous two Lok Sabha polls and enjoyed a firm grip on the constituency.
    • Nagpur, known as India's 'orange city,' is a BJP stronghold in Lok Sabha elections. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari won in 2014 and 2019. The district has a population of 46,53,171 with a voter turnout of 54.70% in 2024.
    • ​​ "You can have many politicians who can say something but mean something else. But here you have a person who is leading by example and his leadership, his work ethic, his delivering performance from his account is perpetuating in terms of every minister, every ministry following and being forced to lead that, to follow that," said Ratan Agarwal, president of WHEELS Global Foundation.
    • Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis worked for Nitin Gadkari's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections. Raut alleged that Fadnavis had unwillingly campaigned for Gadkari when he realized he couldn't be defeated. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister will be replaced if the Modi-Shah government returns to power after the elections.
    • As this year’s summer, with its extended heat waves and record temperatures, warns, how to adapt to a warmer world is no longer a hypothetical question. A new study by World Weather Attribution says climate change has made a 30-day heat wave in South Asia 45 times more likely and 0.85o C hotter. Experts say we need to rethink the kind of houses we live in and offices we construct, how we grow our crops and the way we look at the impact of heat on our bodies, even as we tackle reducing the use of fossil fuels.
    • The govt may not discuss tax concessions for hybrid cars in the next GST Council meeting, affecting companies like Maruti Suzuki and benefiting electric car makers like Mahindra and Mahindra. Transport minister Nitin Gadkari had requested a GST reduction on hybrid cars to 12%.
    • ​Now contesting from the water-starved constituency of Beed, Pankaja Munde has her work cut out. One of the only places in Maharashtra that saw widespread violence during 2023's Maratha quota agitation, the demand for reservation has soured Munde's - an OBC leader - relationship with the locals. This year's general election could be the foundation for Munde's return to the limelight.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari accuses the opposition of spreading misinformation, asserting that it was the Congress, not the BJP, that made 80 constitutional amendments. Speaking at a Maharashtra rally, he blames Congress' economic policies for poverty, urging voters to focus on development, not caste or religion, ahead of Beed's May 13 polls.
    • India is planning a revamp of its urban transport sector to improve accessibility to work, healthcare, and education. The plan includes integrating metro and bus networks, promoting greening of intracity goods transport through small trucks, and aligning bus and metro routes. The lack of a holistic approach, with nearly half a dozen central ministries working in isolation, has led to discussions on an omnibus transport ministry.
    • Nitin Gadkari champions hydrogen as the future fuel, promoting green fuels in India. He envisions ethanol-based vehicles dominating the market, leading to job creation in agriculture. Supporting BJP's Giriraj Singh, he emphasizes infrastructure development for PM Modi's economic goals.
    • Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari urged high voter turnout in the third phase of India's Lok Sabha elections. Over 93 seats, including 11 in Maharashtra, are up for grabs. Polling began at 7 am across 12 states and union territories. More than 1300 candidates, including about 120 women, are in the fray. The BJP has already secured the Surat seat unopposed. Voting will not happen for Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag-Rajouri seat until the sixth phase on May 25. Prominent leaders like Amit Shah and Shivraj Singh Chouhan are among those contesting.
    • Gadkari was campaigning at Pusad which comes under the Yavatmal-Washim Lok Sabha constituency. When he collapsed, his security personnel carried him off-stage to recover. "Felt uneasy due to heat at a rally at Pusad, Maharashtra. But now I am completely alright and on my way to Warud to take part in the next rally," the 66-year-old leader said in a post on X.
    • Exuding confidence over the outcome of the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, BJP candidate and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said that he is 101 per cent sure about winning the election from his constituency.
    • As the Lok Sabha elections start today, key battlegrounds emerge across India. From Coimbatore to Nagpur, political heavyweights vie for dominance. BJP's Annamalai faces tough opposition in Tamil Nadu, while Nitin Gadkari eyes a third term in Maharashtra. In Uttar Pradesh, Jitin Prasada transitions to BJP, while Jitan Ram Manjhi seeks relevance in Bihar. Meanwhile, Nakul Nath and Gaurav Gogoi defend their seats in Madhya Pradesh and Assam, respectively.
    • A total of 1,625 candidates are in the fray, covering seats in 21 states and Union territories. Assembly elections in Arunachal (60 seats) and Sikkim (32) will also be held on the same day. While results for the two legislatures will be out on June 2, Lok Sabha results will be declared on June 4.
    • With a newly elected BJP government in Rajasthan, the Congress is trying to turn the parliamentary election into a local fight on state-specific issues while the BJP is pushing the "double engine ki sarkar" model (entailing the same party in power at the Centre and the state) and keeping the focus on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
    • ICRA guides India's road expansion, doubling highways under Modi. Huge capital spending fuels construction acceleration. Nitin Gadkari targets 35 km/day in the current fiscal year.
    • The Eastern Vidarbha region has five Lok Sabha seats -- Nagpur, Ramtek, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadhchiroli-Chimur and Chandrapur. In 2019, the BJP won four of the five Lok Sabha seats, while Congress won Chandrapur, the only seat it won from Maharashtra.
    • Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari declares ownership of three vehicles in his 2024 Lok Sabha election affidavit, including a 1994 Ambassador, a 2016 Honda CRV, and an Isuzu D-Max. With values listed, Gadkari also discloses his wife's vehicle possessions. Meanwhile, Gadkari, renowned as the "Highway Man of India," seeks a third term representing Nagpur amidst an electoral battle against INC's Vikas Thakre, as the city gears up for April 19 voting.
    • Maruti Suzuki has applied for Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat-NCAP) safety ratings for select vehicles, following Tata Motors' SUVs Safari and Harrier, which received 5-star ratings last year. Bharat-NCAP, launched in August, aims to enhance vehicle safety standards beyond mandatory regulations, aligning with global benchmarks.
    • Former Nagpur mayor and Congress candidate Vikas Thakre is facing Union minister Nitin Gadkari in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Thakre, confident in his local connections and citing past upsets of political heavyweights, believes voters hold the power to decide. He challenges Gadkari's development claims, highlighting issues like water scarcity and power cuts.
    • Nitin Gadkari aims to win Nagpur Lok Sabha seat by 5 lakh votes, vowing for a clean city. He opts for personal voter interactions, avoids banners, and plans to seek blessings of elderly voters.
    • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari aims to transform India into a green economy by eliminating over 36 crore petrol and diesel vehicles. With plans to reduce GST on hybrid vehicles and promote biofuels, he envisions using fuel import savings to benefit farmers and create jobs.
    • BJP won 303 seats on its own in the 2019 elections but its tally in the outgoing Lok Sabha is now 288. This follows some bypoll losses and resignations of some MPs after they recently moved to state assemblies.
    • BJP sources on Friday said Home Minister Shah will address an election rally at Aalo in the West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh on April 6 and hold meetings with the state BJP leaders to discuss election-related affairs.
    • The names of campaigners include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP Chief JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.
    • Highway toll tax system to end in India: Nitin Gadkari speaks on new highway toll system
    • Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to address an election rally at Aalo in West Siang district on April 6, party's senior vice president Tarh Tarak said.
    • A total of 229 nominations have been filed by 183 candidates for the five constituencies in the east Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, which will vote in the first phase of general polls on April 19. Prominent candidates include Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and state Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar of the BJP, and Pratibha Dhanorkar of the Congress. Voting will be held for Nagpur, Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), Bhandara-Gondiya, Chandrapur, and Ramtek (SC) in the first phase.
    • Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the end of tolls, introducing a new satellite-based toll collection system. Money will be deducted directly from bank accounts based on road usage, saving time and money for travelers. Gadkari highlighted reduced travel time from Mumbai to Pune, from 9 hours to 2 hours. He emphasized the Bharatmala Pariyojana's importance in enhancing freight traffic handling and aims to elevate India's road network to US standards.
    • Nitin Gadkari has held the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat for two terms. In 2014, he won against Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar by a 2,85,000 vote margin. In the 2019 elections, he defeated Congress candidate Nana Patole by 2,16,000 votes, who currently heads the Maharashtra unit of the party.
    • In the list, the party also named its chief JP Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, Giriraj Singh and Nityanand Rai, besides Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav.
    • There are 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in Maharashtra. The elections will be held in five phases. 5 seats in Phase 1 (April 19), 8 seats in Phase 2 (April 26), and 11 seats each in Phase 3 (May 7) and 4 (May 13). The remaining 13 seats will go to the polls in Phase 5 (May 20).
    • "When Arun Jaitely was (Union finance) minister, I was part of that discussion (regarding electoral bonds). No party can survive without resources. In some countries, governments fund political parties. There is no such system in India. Thus, we chose this system of financing political parties," said Gadkari on a question about electoral bonds. He noted the main intention behind introducing electoral bonds was that political parties get funds directly, but the names (of donors) are not disclosed because "problems arise if the party in power changes".
    • Shashank Srivastava predicts 11% industry sales growth with March expected to reach 42,35,000, an 8.8% increase over last year's Rs 38.9 lakh. Plans include expanding hybrid portfolio to meet emission norms by 2030. . The segment-wise sales have been increasing for our SUVs and the larger MPVs. That is also, by the way, the direction which the market has in a broader sense has taken.
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