Nagpur: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday called on voters in Nagpur to examine the Congress’s record over the last six decades, comparing it with the last ten years of the BJP’s development and welfare-oriented governance. “When Congress leaders come seeking your vote, demand the results of their 60 years in power,” Gadkari stressed, highlighting what he calls a lack of substantive achievements by the opposition.
Gadkari’s remarks came during the inauguration of campaign offices of BJP candidates in south, central and east Nagpur. The minister, who represents Nagpur in Parliament, spoke about the BJP’s decade-long focus on solving day-to-day problems, highlighting achievements in infrastructure and public services. “In ten years, we have focused on job creation, infrastructure development and solving local problems,” Gadkari said, contrasting with the Congress’s dependence on caste-based politics .
During his stops, the BJP heavyweight addressed rallies alongside South Nagpur MP Mohan Mate, East Nagpur MP Krishna Khopde and Central Nagpur candidate and current MLC Pravin Datke. He cited several high-impact projects that he said have transformed Nagpur, including an improved water supply system that now provides 24-hour water to 75 percent of residents, widened concrete roads, the metro and ongoing improvements to rail stations. He claimed that by virtue BJP governanceeastern and southern districts of Nagpur, previously deprived of proper roads and essential infrastructure, are now connected.
Responding to Congress’ criticism of the city’s infrastructure, the Union minister hit out at opposition leaders who had earlier blamed local floods on concrete roads. “Last year, when Ambazari Lake overflowed, Congress pointed the finger at concrete roads,” he said. “But this year, despite heavy rains, the water has not entered the houses. The roads remain the same. Where are these critics now?” he asked, accusing Congress of pointing fingers rather than finding solutions.
Gadkari also responded to the grand old party’s claims that the BJP was planning to amend the Constitution. Calling it a “fear campaign”, he pointed out that the Congress itself had amended the Constitution several times, while the BJP had not done so. “Congress has spread these rumors before, too,” he said, encouraging voters to ignore what he called baseless allegations.
As the campaign gained momentum, Gadkari praised the contributions of each candidate: Mate’s work in solving local issues in southern Nagpur, Khopde’s record over 15 years in eastern Nagpur and the public trust built by Datke in central Nagpur. With rallies and presence of key local leaders, the BJP is strengthening its commitment to Nagpur’s development and urging voters to weigh the BJP’s achievements against the Congress’s historic record as election day approaches.