Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has triggered a fresh political discussion after his remarks at an event in Nagpur, where he spoke about his electoral support across different sections of society and claimed that he received a higher vote share in areas associated with the underworld and red-light districts than in some highly educated neighbourhoods.
Gadkari, while making the remarks in a lighter vein, was quick to clarify that his political relationships with people from such areas should not be interpreted as support for criminal activities. He attributed those connections to his long-standing social work, development initiatives and efforts to promote awareness about democracy and democratic values.
Gadkari compares vote share in educated and underworld-linked areas
Speaking at the Nagpur event, Gadkari discussed his long political career and his relationships with people belonging to different sections of society.
He said that while he secured roughly 70 to 75 per cent of the vote in several large and highly educated localities, his support was considerably higher in areas associated with criminals, the underworld and red-light districts.
According to Gadkari, his vote share in such areas reached around 92 per cent.
The Union Minister stressed that the figures should not be viewed as an indication that he approves of criminal activities or the people involved in them.
“I have very good relations with people, but do not interpret it to mean that I support their activities. Roads have been built there and social work has been carried out. The first thing is awareness in the minds of people about democracy and democratic values. The commitment of people towards democratic values and ideology is very important. Education of the masses is extremely important.”
Gadkari’s remarks highlighted his argument that political outreach cannot be restricted to educated or economically privileged sections of society. He suggested that working directly with communities and improving infrastructure can create stronger public engagement and awareness about democratic participation.
‘99 per cent’ support claim
Gadkari also referred to his connections with people associated with both the underworld and social work in Nagpur.
In a candid observation, he said that nearly 99 per cent of people from these sections were supporters of his political work. However, he again made it clear that such support did not amount to an endorsement of their activities.
His explanation centred on the distinction between maintaining social and political relationships and approving the actions of individuals.
The minister pointed to the development work undertaken in these areas as one of the reasons for his connection with local communities. He also placed considerable emphasis on educating people about democratic principles and encouraging their participation in the political process.
Gadkari says credibility is the key to success
The Union Minister then broadened the discussion beyond elections and spoke about the importance of credibility in determining success.
According to Gadkari, credibility remains crucial not only in politics but also in business, consumer products and industrial sectors.
“The important thing is that I believe credibility wins. Whether it is business, politics, consumer products or industrial products, credibility is what matters.”
Gadkari argued that public trust is an important factor in sustaining success over the long term. His comments came while reflecting on the different phases of his political career and the experiences he has accumulated over the years.
‘I have done everything in politics’
Reflecting on his own political journey, Gadkari described himself as an ideological person but also acknowledged that his career has involved different experiences and phases.
He said his relationships extend across political and social sections, while candidly admitting that his journey has included both successes and mistakes.
“I have done everything in politics. I have done good things as well as bad things. I have relationships with everyone,” Gadkari said.
His comments have since drawn attention because of the unusual comparison between his electoral performance in highly educated neighbourhoods and areas traditionally associated with the underworld and red-light districts.
However, Gadkari’s broader message was that political credibility, social engagement, development work and awareness of democratic values can influence public support across very different sections of society.
