Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari is a prominent Indian politician from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a senior leader from Maharashtra. He has held several key portfolios in the Indian government, particularly in the field of infrastructure development and transport. Below are detailed life and career insights about him:
Early Life and Education:
- Date of Birth: May 27, 1957
- Place of Birth: Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Parents: Jairam Ramchandra Gadkari and Bhanutai Gadkari
- Education: Gadkari completed his schooling in Nagpur and pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from G.S. Commerce College, Nagpur. He also holds a postgraduate degree in law (LL.B.) and a diploma in Business Management.
Gadkari’s upbringing in a middle-class Brahmin family in Nagpur instilled strong values of hard work and simplicity. His early involvement in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) played a significant role in shaping his political career.
Entry into Politics:
Nitin Gadkari’s political journey began with his association with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS. His grassroots-level work led to his involvement in mainstream politics.
- In the 1980s, he actively worked for the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the BJP, and gained a reputation for his organizational skills.
- Member of Maharashtra Legislative Council: Gadkari was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 1989. Over the years, he became known for his contributions to infrastructure development in the state.
Ministerial Role in Maharashtra:
Gadkari’s rise in Maharashtra politics was remarkable. He served as the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Maharashtra from 1995 to 1999 during the Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government.
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Gadkari is widely credited for conceptualizing and executing the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the first six-lane concrete, high-speed expressway in India. This project marked a significant development in Indian infrastructure and earned him the nickname “Road Man of India.”
- Under his tenure, Maharashtra also saw the construction of 35 flyovers in Mumbai, helping ease the traffic congestion in the city.
Leadership in BJP:
Gadkari’s influence within the BJP grew, and in 2009, he was appointed as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He was the youngest individual to hold the position at the time. As party president, he focused on organizational restructuring and expanding the BJP’s reach in new areas.
National Politics and Ministerial Career:
In 2014, after the BJP’s victory in the general elections, Gadkari became a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet. He was given key ministries that aligned with his expertise in infrastructure:
- Minister for Road Transport and Highways: Gadkari has been responsible for major road and highway projects across the country. He has overseen the development of the Bharatmala project, which aims to improve road connectivity across India, especially in border and rural areas.
- Minister of Shipping: Gadkari initiated reforms to boost India’s shipping industry and port infrastructure. His work in improving India’s inland waterways, including the Ganga Waterways project, has been significant.
- Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME): As the Minister for MSMEs, Gadkari played a pivotal role in strengthening the backbone of India’s small and medium industries, focusing on rural economic development.
Major Contributions:
- Road and Highway Expansion: Gadkari’s tenure as Minister of Road Transport and Highways has been marked by an accelerated pace of highway construction. He has been pivotal in the expansion and modernization of India’s national highway network.
- Port Development: His leadership in the shipping sector led to the modernization of India’s major ports and inland waterways, increasing their capacity and efficiency.
- MSME Growth: Gadkari focused on reviving and enhancing the MSME sector in India, which contributes significantly to employment generation.
Personal Life:
Nitin Gadkari is married to Kanchan Gadkari, and the couple has three children—Nikhil, Sarang, and Ketki. His son Sarang Gadkari is also involved in politics.
Gadkari is known for his affable nature and straight-talking approach. Despite his proximity to the RSS and the BJP, he is known for maintaining good relationships across the political spectrum. He is also known for his love for organic farming and has a farm near Nagpur where he grows fruits and vegetables using organic methods.
Personal Interests:
Nitin Gadkari is an advocate of sustainable agriculture and has been involved in various social initiatives, including promoting biofuels and rural development. He is known to be a proponent of innovative ideas and self-reliant village development models.
Public Image:
Gadkari is often regarded as one of the most efficient ministers in Narendra Modi’s cabinet due to his ability to execute projects and meet targets within the stipulated time frame. His “no-nonsense” attitude towards work has made him one of the most respected figures in Indian politics.
Key Achievements:
- Developing India’s largest expressway projects, including the Eastern Peripheral Expressway and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
- Promoting eco-friendly initiatives such as electric vehicles and biofuel production.
- Revitalizing India’s inland waterways and enhancing port capacities.