Video Editor: Varun Sharma
Maharashtra leader and NCP President Sharad Pawar is not contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. On that note, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, speaking exclusively to The Quint, said that maybe Pawar had assessed the political weather. The Quint’s Editorial Director Sanjay Pugalia talked to Gadkari about various topics ranging from the agrarian crisis to India’s stance on defence after Balakot air strikes.
What do you think about Sharad Pawar not contesting elections?
If 2-3 people from his family are contesting, then why not a fourth? I feel like maybe he has assessed our election scenario and realised that winning this election will be difficult. Maybe, that’s why he withdrew.
One thing is for sure, if there is a ‘weather department’ in Indian politics, then Sharad Pawar is the greatest of them. His withdrawal does indicate in which fashion the weather is changing.
Many say that the BJP’s friendship with Sharad Pawar is quite tight?
No, no, he is completely against us. Saying that about him would be a crime.
When it comes to Maharashtra, the agrarian crisis, Maratha politics and the issue of Dalits pose a threat on a grassroot level for the BJP. What do you have to say about that?
In my constituency, in the field of irrigation, the Maharashtra government has implemented approximately 108 projects under the farmer scheme and 27 projects under the Prime Minister Irrigation Scheme. We will aim to complete them within a year. Then Maharashtra’s irrigation will increase by 48%, which currently stands at 18-20 percent. Isn’t this development by the government led by Devendra Fadnavis?
Water crisis in Maharashtra has been a grave issue for the past 50-60 years. As far as the Daman Ganga Pinjal project is concerned, just a sign is pending from Gujarat. Once the project is done, then in all the dams along with Godavari (the water flow) will increase by 100 percent.
Nashik, Malegaon, Dhule, Nandurbar, Ahmednagar and the entire Marathwada will not face water crisis anymore. Both the Tapi and Narmada projects are ready. I feel, for the first time, we have worked on such important issues. They will take time to show results. Devendra Fadnavis has issued a tender for the construction of the Prosperity Highway. Industrial investments have increased in Maharashtra.
What are your comments on the ongoing agrarian crisis?
Agrarian crisis exists. If the government changes, will it solve the agrarian crisis? There are some issues that have an immediate solution, some have a mid-term solution, and others have a long-term solution. These problems are a result of all the wrong movies made by the Congress over the past 50-60 years, and you expect us to create a miracle in 5 years.
Watch the full interview here:
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