‘Losing Elections Won’t Kill Me,’ Nitin Gadkari’s Thunderous Attack on Caste Politics, Says ‘Jo Karega Jaat Ki Baat… Maarunga Laat’

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has once again made headlines with his unapologetic stance on caste politics. Addressing a convocation ceremony at the Central India Group of Institutions in Nagpur, Gadkari boldly declared that he refuses to engage in caste-based politics, even if it costs him votes.

Emphasising merit over caste, Gadkari stated, "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."

‘Jo Karega Jaat Ki Baat... Maarunga Laat!’ - Nitin Gadkari’s Fiery Remark

During his speech, Nitin Gadkari recounted an instance where he directly confronted caste politics. He revealed, "A lot of people come to meet me based on caste. I once told 50,000 people, 'Jo karega jaat ki baat, uske kass ke maarunga laat.'"

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#WATCH | Maharashtra | Addressing an event in Nagpur, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says, "... 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,… pic.twitter.com/q3XbRhjSnS

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2025

His remark was met with both criticism and support, with some cautioning him about its political repercussions. However, Gadkari remained firm, asserting, "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."

Nitin Gadkari Highlights Education Over Caste-Based Politics

Apart from his strong stance on caste politics, Nitin Gadkari also addressed the importance of education, particularly within the Muslim community. He pointed out that education is the true path to development, stating, "In our society, the community that needs education the most is the Muslim community."

Highlighting the need for skill development, he said, "Unfortunately, only a handful of professions have gained prominence within the Muslim community, such as running tea stalls, paan shops, scrap dealing, truck driving, and cleaning. If people from our society become engineers, doctors, IAS, and IPS officers, then our society will develop."

Gadkari Draws Inspiration from APJ Abdul Kalam

Citing the legacy of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Nitin Gadkari reinforced the idea that greatness is not defined by caste. "Dr. Kalam became a nuclear scientist. His contributions made his name known not only in India but across the world."

He reiterated, "I believe that a person does not become great by caste, sect, religion, language, or sex, but by qualities."

Concluding his speech, Nitin Gadkari stressed the importance of education for societal progress. "Education does not just benefit you and your family. It develops the society and the nation. Knowledge is power, and imbibing this power is your mission."