Nitin Gadkari retirement buzz after ‘I can’t work much now’ remark; office clarifies | WATCH

Nitin Gadkari’s remarks about stepping back and giving the younger generation greater responsibility sparked speculation about his political future, with some reports interpreting them as a possible hint at retirement. His office has now clarified that the comments had nothing to do with politics or his plans to leave public life.

The clarification came after Gadkari spoke about his inability to work as much as he did earlier and said younger people should be given an opportunity to take responsibility. The comments were subsequently linked to speculation about a possible Union Cabinet expansion and changes in ministerial portfolios.

According to Gadkari’s office, however, the remarks were made specifically in the context of the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, an organisation established by the Union Minister that works for the development of tribal areas and runs Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal regions.

What did Nitin Gadkari say?

Gadkari made the remarks while speaking at an Eklavya Ekal Vidyalaya Teacher-Supervisor Training Class at Katol in Nagpur district.

Speaking about the work associated with the Trust, Gadkari referred to the need to bring younger people into positions of responsibility and have the older generation guide them.

“I am not an inspiration to anyone. These days, I cannot work the way I used to. I now tell everyone that we should give responsibility to the new generation. New people will come forward, and the older generation will guide them. That is how the work will move forward and grow,” he said.

He also expressed his desire to see the Trust’s work expand across tribal areas, saying he wanted it to reach a stage where no tribal village in Maharashtra remained without light.

In another portion of his remarks, Gadkari referred to his three decades in public life, saying he had witnessed several ups and downs and received many awards, but could no longer work to the same extent.

“I have been continuously working in public life for the last 30 years. I have seen many ups and downs and received many awards. But I can’t work much now. The new generation should be given a chance to work,” he was quoted as saying by News18 Marathi.

Gadkari office responds to retirement speculation

The comments quickly drew attention in political circles, particularly amid reports of a possible Union Cabinet expansion and changes in ministerial portfolios.

Gadkari’s office has rejected that interpretation.

The office said the minister was speaking about the functioning and future leadership of the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, with which he has been associated for several years. It said the remarks should be understood in that context and were not a statement about Gadkari’s political career or future.

The office also objected to the way some television channels had presented the comments, saying they had been taken out of context and portrayed as a political statement.