Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has reiterated his firm stance against caste-based politics, declaring that an individual should be recognised for their qualities rather than their caste, religion, language, or gender.
Addressing the convocation ceremony of the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur on Saturday, Gadkari spotlighted the need for "fairness and equality" in public life.
"A person is not known by their caste, sect, religion, language or sex, but only by their qualities. That is why we will not discriminate against anyone based on caste, sect, religion, language, or sex," he asserted.
Despite acknowledging the prevalence of caste-based identity in politics, Gadkari maintained that he would not engage in such practices, even if it meant losing votes.
"I am in politics, and here all of this goes on, but I refuse this even though it may or may not get me votes," he stated.
The union minister's remarks mark significance in the backdrop of caste dynamics influencing India's prevailing electoral politics.
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Recalling instances when individuals sought his support by highlighting their caste identity, Gadkari said he remained steadfast in his convictions.
Sharing an anecdote, he remarked, "I told 50,000 people, 'Jo karega jaat ki baat, uske kass ke maarunga laat,'" meaning that he would not entertain caste-based discussions.
Gadkari acknowledged that his statement had raised concerns among his associates.
"My friends told me that I may have caused self-harm by saying this. But I am not concerned about it; one does not lose his life if he loses elections. I will stick to my principles," he affirmed.
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