You can change lives, without political power

People believe in God and development, says new BJP chief Nitin Gadkari, 52, as he completes 10 days in office and readies a NGO plan for BJP. Excerpts from an interview with Hindustan Times:

People believe in God and development, says new BJP chief Nitin Gadkari, 52, as he completes 10 days in office and readies a NGO plan for BJP. Excerpts from an interview with Hindustan Times:

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You spoke of value-based politics but you joined hands with the JMM to form government in Jharkhand…
The BJP cannot remain silent when the Congress is ready with plans to break up smaller parties to get power.

But the party did not appear to be rooting for values?
It’s strategy – and not a dilution of our values to beat the Congress at its game. After all, who corrupted them first (JMM)? Who gave them money to get their support (during the Rao government’s tenure)?

Are you serious about turning the BJP into a huge NGO?
People believe in two things – God and development work. I met with a serious road accident six years ago. That changed my life. There is nothing to hanker for…the best thing is to lighten the burden of the poor, wipe their tears.

Will BJP men take up social work?
I have done it for the widows of farmers who committed suicide. We run projects for giving jobs to 1 lakh people. I have kept this (pointing to a box to collect funds for farmers)…I want to end sycophancy and jostling for berths.

What is your plan?
On February 11, we will launch a Antodaya Vikas Yojna under which every BJP worker will take up social projects for SCs, STs, minorities and unorganised workers. You can change their lives — without waiting for political power.

Will it work for BJP?
That’s only way to grow politically and win trust of the people. We will launch a performance audit too. Everyone will have to perform. I will create a web folder to update me. At the click of a button, I will know what he or she has done. If we can grow our base by 10%. It’s a big thing.

What went wrong with BJP?
I wasn’t here and not bothered about the past. Chodo kal ki batien (he hums the song from 1960 film Hum Hindustani)… the future beckons us if we work for it. Kam bolan hai (speak less).