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Nitin Gadkari’s office clarified his remarks on giving youth responsibility were for Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, not politics. Reports had linked comments to his political future.
Nitin Gadkari’s office clarifies that his remarks on giving responsibility to the new generation were related to the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust’s work in tribal areas. (Photo: PTI)
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari’s office has clarified that his recent remarks about giving the younger generation greater responsibility were made in the context of the work of the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust and were not related to politics or his political future.
The clarification came after reports linked Gadkari’s comments to speculation over his possible retirement from politics amid discussions around a possible Union Cabinet expansion and changes in ministerial portfolios.
Gadkari’s Remarks Taken Out Of Context, Says Office
According to Gadkari’s office, the minister was speaking specifically about the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, an organisation established by him that works for the development of tribal areas and runs Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal regions.
The office said Gadkari has been associated with the Trust for several years and that his remarks were made in the context of its functioning and future leadership.
It said some television channels were presenting the comments as a political statement by taking them out of their actual context.
Gadkari had spoken about his ability to take on as much work as he did earlier and the need to give the younger generation greater responsibility.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s office clarified his remarks about giving younger generations responsibility.
The remarks were made in the context of the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust’s work, not politics.
Gadkari’s office stated some television channels presented the comments as a political statement out of context.
The comments were made at an Eklavya Ekal Vidyalaya Teacher-Supervisor Training Class in Katol, Nagpur district.
Gadkari has been continuously working in public life for the last 30 years.
“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. I want this work to reach such a level that no tribal village in Maharashtra remains without light.”
The remarks were made at an Eklavya Ekal Vidyalaya Teacher-Supervisor Training Class at Katol in Nagpur district.
What Earlier Reports Had Said
Reports had highlighted Gadkari’s comments about his long stint in public life and his call for the new generation to be given an opportunity to work.
His remarks, in Marathi, roughly translated to mean, “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.”
The remarks subsequently triggered discussion in political circles, with some interpreting his comments as a possible indication that he was considering retirement from politics.
However, Gadkari’s office has now said that the comments were specifically linked to the work of the Mankar Trust and its efforts in tribal areas, rather than to his political career.
No Formal Retirement Announcement
The clarification also comes against the backdrop of reports about a possible expansion of the Union Cabinet and changes in ministerial portfolios, which had added to speculation around Gadkari’s remarks.
Gadkari is a senior minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet and has remained in the spotlight over his work related to expressways and road infrastructure.
In recent months, he has also faced criticism over several issues, including his advocacy of ethanol-blended petrol.
Some consumers have alleged that ethanol-blended fuel is causing damage to vehicles, while the Opposition has targeted the minister over the issue.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Nitin Gadkari’s office clarified that his remarks about not being able to work as much were in the context of the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust and not related to politics or his political future. He has not made any formal announcement about retiring from politics.
Ask News18About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
August 25, 2026, 2:32 PM IST
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