There is a whisper within the political spectrum that if there is anyone in the BJP who is educated and has wisdom, it is Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who is aloof from the rest of the Union Ministers and party leaders who quite often in the news with the controversial statements.
Gadkari would rather focus on the work of his department, which involves developing infrastructure and introducing standards to the transport and vehicle segments. It is also an open secret about the rift between the party’s bigwigs like PM Modi and Amit Shah with Gadkari, who is also closer to the RSS leadership. There are also rumours of the Modi-Shah team considering ousting him from his Nagpur Lok Sabha seat.
The rumour of Gadkari being systematically removed gained ground after Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut announced coordinated attempts by Modi, Shah, and Devendra Fadnavis to defeat Gadkari, with allegations of Fadnavis paying a large sum of money for the job to get done. Gadkari's absence from key BJP campaign posters and his exclusion from national campaigns ahead of the 2024 elections have only added fuel to these rumours.
In previous election cycles, Gadkari was a significant presence in BJP's campaigns, often seen as a star campaigner. However, his visibility has markedly decreased, signalling potential internal party dynamics at play.
The tension dates back to Modi’s first term when Gadkari’s official residence was found to be bugged in 2014. Although Gadkari publicly downplayed the incident, he later admitted that he kept quiet due to pressure from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Gadkari's recent remarks about the "use and throw" nature of politics and his comments on the capture of power reflect his growing discontent. His removal from the BJP's parliamentary board in 2022 marked a significant shift in his political standing within the party.
Gadkari has been a prominent figure within the BJP, known for his candidness, which has often put him at odds with Modi and Shah. His ties with the RSS, which initially bolstered his political career, now seem to be a point of contention as the Modi-Shah faction consolidates power.
The struggle for control within the BJP is not just a matter of personal rivalry but also reflects deeper regional and ideological divides. The Gujarat lobby, represented by Modi and Shah, has increasingly asserted its dominance over the Maharashtrian-RSS faction, of which Gadkari is a key member, according to The Wire.
The shifting of significant industrial and economic projects from Maharashtra to Gujarat is seen as a testament to this power struggle. This regionalism is further exacerbated by the rise of Gujarati-origin business houses, which have gained substantial economic footholds in Maharashtra.
Despite his ambitions, Gadkari's political trajectory has been marred by setbacks. His demands for the chief ministership of Maharashtra were thwarted, a move interpreted as an effort to prevent him from advocating for Maharashtra-first policies. Elevating Gadkari to the central cabinet was seen as a strategic manoeuvre to keep potential rivals close while facilitating a broader economic shift favouring Gujarat,
The RSS's backing of Gadkari adds another layer of complexity to this internal conflict. Gadkari's role as a financial pillar for the RSS means that any attack on him is perceived as an attack on the organization's economic interests. This financial link, while difficult to verify in detail, underscores the stakes involved in this political power play.
Adding to Gadkari’s woes, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised allegations of inflated costs in projects under his ministry. The removal of approximately 1.5 lakh voters from his electoral base in Nagpur also raises questions about possible electoral manipulation aimed at undermining his chances.
Despite these challenges, Gadkari has refrained from openly rebelling against the Modi-Shah leadership. Various factors, including past scandals involving his family, seem to have tempered his actions. Nevertheless, he has focused on delivering on infrastructure promises and maintaining a developmental agenda, while subtly positioning himself as a potential future leader within the party.
Gadkari has also cultivated alliances with figures like Yogi Adityanath, signalling the emergence of an alternative power centre within the BJP. This alignment reflects shared grievances against the Modi-Shah dominance and strategic positioning for future leadership contests.
The upcoming elections in Nagpur are crucial, not only for Gadkari’s political career but also as a test of the RSS’s resilience against the Modi-Shah faction. The results could potentially shift the balance of power within the BJP, setting the stage for future internal battles. The stakes are high, and the outcome will likely influence the party’s direction and internal dynamics for years to come.