Gadkari quells rumors, has no plans to become 2019's PM-face
What's the story
Union Minister for Roads and Highways Nitin Gadkari said he has no plans to become the Prime Ministerial candidate for 2019 and was happy where he was.
Reportedly, there has been mounting pressure on RSS to make Gadkari the PM face, replacing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
But Gadkari has quashed all reports with his declaration.
Quote
Gadkari lists out the work he has to complete
Gadkari told ANI, "No there is no chance. I am happy where I am right now. I have to complete Ganga work first, building of Express Highway Access Control in 13-14 states and I also want to make roads for Chaar Dhams and other works."
Solving problems
Gadkari hopes road connectivity in Northeast will solve problems
Gadkari was returning from Arunachal Pradesh after laying foundation for projects worth Rs. 9,533 crore.
"A project of Rs 4,000 crore for constructing 400 km road is underway. Arunachal is a large area but it has less population even international border is attached to it," he said.
He explained less road connectivity was the reason behind poverty and unemployment in the state. He hoped better roads would solve this problem.
Development
The previous government ignored Northeast, Modi government changed it: Gadkari
He said with better roads forest-based industry would come to Northeast.
Gadkari added previous governments didn't do much but in the last four and a half years the Centre has done a lot.
"The development work worth Rs 2.50 lakh crore is presently underway in the northeast. The upcoming development in the northeast will completely change the image of the region," he said.