Gadkari takes over BJP reins

New president vows to take saffron party to a highway track

Speaking to Deccan Herald soon after taking charge, Gadkari, 52, said: “If there is a will there is a way.” He was apparently alluding to his work as PWD minister in Maharashtra where he was known for his efforts for infrastructure development, particularly the construction of highways, roads and flyovers.

The appointment was approved here by the central parliamentary board meeting of the party. The meeting was attended by senior party leaders L K Advani, Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley and M Venkaiah Naidu.

“If one has a strong political will, all problems can be solved. Without political will all issues end up in seminars and discussions. I am not given to false commitment or promises. Politics is not a profession for me,” the new BJP chief said. He added he was working like an NGO, and that he was cent per cent sure that he would be successful in his “mission”.

The formalisation of the new party chief needs the approval of the BJP national executive and the national council, the highest decision making and policy making bodies, respectively. The new team may be constituted after two months.

Amid display of fireworks, senior L K Advani said Gadkari’s speedy implementation of infrastructure projects in Maharashtra spoke volumes of his capabilities. He added that the NDA regime was noted for the construction of highways, and that the then Union ministers were asked to benefit from Gadkari’s experience.

The new BJP president, known to be hand-picked by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat against Advani’s strong disposition to have one of the central party leaders close to him appointed as the party chief, said he would seek “margdarshan” from his seniors.
Sidestepping queries on squabbles and differences within the party, Gadkari said it was first Advani and then Rajnath Singh who asked him to take over the top party post. “I have been selected by AdvanJi and Rajnath Singh,” he said, adding that he would be separately visiting the residences of all senior leaders.

“This is a miracle that can happen only in the BJP. In other parties only dynasties are flourishing”, he concluded. “Aur jagah pet se hi pradhanmantri nikal jatana hain” ( In other parties prime ministers are made by birth), he quipped.

Senior leader M Venkaiah Naidu discounted reports of dissension within the BJP, claiming that over the years “all leaders have been chosen by AdvaniJi”. Stating that Gadkari has the full backing of the party, Naidu said: “President presides and party decides.” However, he maintained that there could be problem if the president “goes alone.”