PUNE: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said that there is much talk about making India Atmanirbhar Bharat, a
five trillion-dollar economy
, the third-largest economy, and Vishwaguru but individuals must begin making changes within themselves before advising others.
He was speaking at the inauguration of Chhatrapati
Shivaji Maharaj
‘s statue in Sangli on Friday. The event was organised by former BJP MP Sanjay Patil where NCP (SCP) Sharad Pawar was also invited.
Pawar, who had prior commitments, delivered his speech and left the venue before Gadkari’s arrival. The Union minister was nearly half-an-hour behind schedule.
Gadkari, in his speech, said that people can derive inspiration from Shivaji Maharaj even today. “Even if we adopt one of his qualities, it will take our society and country far ahead. Often, there are talks of making India Atmanirbhar Bharat, a five trillion-dollar economy, the third-largest economy and Vishwaguru. But if we want to bring all of this into reality, we will have to bring change within ourselves. It is easy to tell others to change, but an individual will have to begin with oneself before advising others,” Gadkari said. He did not name any person.
The Union minister also said that when he contested the Lok Sabha poll, he made it clear that he would not be involved in caste-based politics even if he did not get votes.
He added that caste, cash and criminality have become the biggest ingredients in politics. “For the purification of politics, leaders will have to follow the principles of Shivaji Maharaj and adopt his idea of good governance for the betterment of society,” he said.
