Gadkari’s office said the minister was speaking about the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, an organisation established by him that runs Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal areas. His comments about taking a back seat were made in the context of the trust’s social work, it said.
“His remarks were clearly related to the functioning and future leadership of the Trust. However, some television channels are presenting the statement as a political remark, taking it out of its actual context,” the statement said.
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What Gadkari said
Gadkari was addressing a gathering at the Eklavya Ekal Vidyalaya Shikshak-Parvekshak Parikshan Varg in Katol, Nagpur, on Monday. He spoke about the journey of the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust and its work in tribal areas.
Gadkari said he could no longer devote as much time to the trust as he had earlier and that the younger generation should now take greater responsibility.
“Honestly, I am not a source of inspiration; nowadays, I can’t work that much. I worked more when I could. I have since reduced my participation (in Mankar Trust’s work). I have told everyone that now the work should be put into the hands of the new generation,” he said.He said senior members were continuing to guide the younger members as the trust expanded its work.
The trust runs several schools in tribal areas through the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative. Gadkari said its long-term objective was to expand the social work across tribal villages in Maharashtra.
“One day this work will grow so much that there will not be a single tribal village in Maharashtra left in darkness and there will be the light of development. This is the picture we all want to transform, and it is the work of Mankar Trust to change this picture,” Gadkari said.
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He described the work as a social responsibility and national duty and called for its expansion.
“This work is social responsibility, national duty, and this work must be expanded,” he added.
Why the remarks triggered speculation
Gadkari’s comments came against the backdrop of speculation about a possible Union Cabinet expansion and changes in ministerial portfolios. His reference to taking a back seat and giving responsibility to the younger generation was subsequently interpreted by some media channels as a possible indication that he could step away from public life.
His office rejected that interpretation, saying the remarks had been taken out of context.
Gadkari has not announced any decision to retire from politics or step down from the Union Cabinet.
The minister has been associated with the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust’s work for decades. His comments at the Katol event were focused on transferring responsibility for its social activities to a younger generation rather than announcing a change in his political role.
Gadkari’s message to teachers
Gadkari also urged teachers attending the programme to work on their personality, actions and capabilities and to cultivate positive qualities.
He said many people have talents and qualities that are not adequately recognised and encouraged the teachers to learn from the virtues of people around them.
“Build your personality based on virtues and after your personality has grown into something substantial, give your time to society and to the poor. Work to bring light into the lives of those who live in darkness,” Gadkari added.
