Gadkari criticizes political exploitation of caste issues

Union minister Nitin Gadkari criticized the political use of caste during a speech in Amravati. He believes that caste divisions are created by politicians for their benefit, not by the people. Gadkari called for a change in politics, focusing on development instead of identity-based voting. He stated that politics should prioritize social service over self-promotion. Gadkari shared his own electoral experiences, emphasizing his commitment to work for everyone, regardless of their vote. He also expressed concern about the increasing money spent on political campaigns, arguing that elections should not be solely about winning. Gadkari reflected on his time in the Melghat tribal region, where he witnessed severe poverty and malnutrition. He was shocked by the lack of basic services like roads and healthcare. Despite bureaucratic challenges, he insisted on building roads to improve access to essential services. The minister also pointed out issues in India's agriculture sector. He highlighted the low productivity of Indian farmers compared to those in countries like Spain. Gadkari emphasized the need for modern farming techniques and better access to technology. He believes that innovation in agriculture is crucial for higher incomes and global competitiveness. The event attracted various political leaders and educators.