Politics nowadays more about staying in power: Nitin Gadkari

NAGPUR: Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari said Saturday that he sometimes feels like quitting politics because there are many other things that need to be done for society. The former BJP chief said at an event in Nagpur that politics nowadays has become more about staying in power, rather than being a vehicle for social change and development.
“We have to understand what politics means. Is it for the welfare of society, country or about being in government?” he said. “Politics has been a part of the social movement right from Mahatma Gandhi’s era, but then it focused on the nation and development goals.”

He said: “Today what we are seeing (in politics) is 100% about coming to power. Politics is a true instrument of socio-economic reform and that’s why today’s politicians must work for the development of education, arts etc in society.”
The minister was speaking at an event organised to felicitate social worker Girish Gandhi, who is known to have friends across political parties. A former MLC, Gandhi was earlier with NCP, but quit the party in 2014.

“When Girish bhau was in politics, I used to discourage him because even I think sometimes about quitting politics. Apart from politics, there are many things in life which are worth doing,” said Gadkari.
The Nagpur MP praised the late socialist politician George Fernandes for his simple lifestyle. “I learnt a lot from him as he never cared for the paraphernalia of power. He led such an inspiring life… I hate it when people bring huge bouquets for me or put my posters.”