Nitin Gadkari Counters Mallikarjun Kharge’s Remark with Sharp Rebuttal

Rapid Summary

• Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to highlight perceived differences between PM Narendra Modi and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
• Kharge referenced a lack of progress on the Bengaluru-Gulbarga four-lane highway project, suggesting Gadkari might have lost authority and accusing that even assigning numbers to national highways required PMO approval.
• He also praised Gadkari’s efforts in raising funds independently but implied that Modi was taking undue credit for the minister’s accomplishments.
• Nitin gadkari firmly denied any such issues, stating he works per the mandate given by the Prime minister and does not face interference from PMO.
• He attributed delays in highway projects to land acquisition issues, lack of environmental clearances, and court litigations rather than funding constraints.
• In response to Kharge’s comments, Gadkari brought attention to tensions within Congress leadership by pointing out that Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have acknowledged important infrastructure work being done under his watch.

!Nitin Gadkari refuses Mallikarjun Kharge’s bait

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Indian Opinion Analysis
Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks reflect an attempt by congress leadership to challenge BJP narratives on governance efficiency while addressing regional infrastructure concerns like the Bengaluru-Gulbarga highway delay. Though, Nitin Gadkari’s firm rejection of these claims showcases his confidence in how such projects are managed under his ministry despite structural impediments like clearances or litigation at local levels-a key pain point for national infrastructure initiatives.

This exchange also underscores broader political dynamics-Kharge aiming to target BJP unity amid opposition alliances while deflecting potential intra-party criticisms stemming from strained relationships with leaders like Karnataka’s Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Politically neutral observers may note how these discussions expose both inter-party competition as well as intra-party complexities on governance narratives critical ahead of electoral engagements.