Nitin Gadkari

{{short description|Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India}}

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Nitin Gadkari

| image = Nitin Gadkari img.jpg

| image_size =

| office = [[Minister of Road Transport and Highways]]

| president = [[Pranab Mukherjee]] [[Ram Nath Kovind]]

| primeminister = [[Narendra Modi]]

| term_start = 26 May 2014

| term_end =

| predecessor = [[Oscar Fernandes]]

| successor =

| office2 = [[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Minister of Shipping]]

| president2 = [[Pranab Mukherjee]] [[Ram Nath Kovind]]

| primeminister2 = [[Narendra Modi]]

| term_start2 = 26 May 2014

| term_end2 = 30 May 2019

| predecessor2 = [[G. K. Vasan]]

| successor2 = [[Mansukh L. Mandaviya]]

| office1 = [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises|Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]]

| primeminister1 = [[Narendra Modi]]

| president1 = [[Ram Nath Kovind]]

| term_start1 = 30 May 2019

| term_end1 = 7 July 2021

| predecessor1 = [[Giriraj Singh]]

| successor1 = [[Narayan Rane]]

| office3 = [[Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation|Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation]]

| term_start3 = 3 September 2017

| term_end3 = 30 May 2019

| primeminister3 = [[Narendra Modi]]

| president3 = [[Ram Nath Kovind]]

| predecessor3 = [[Uma Bharti]]

| successor3 = [[Gajendra Singh Shekhawat]]

| office4 = [[Ministry of Rural Development (India)|Minister of Rural Development]] & [[Ministry of Panchayati Raj|Panchayati Raj]]

| term_start4 = 4 June 2014

| term_end4 = 9 November 2014

| primeminister4 = [[Narendra Modi]]

| president4 = [[Pranab Mukherjee]]

| predecessor4 = [[Gopinath Munde]]

| successor4 = [[Birender Singh (politician, born 1946)|Birender Singh]]

| office5 = 9th [[List of Presidents of the Bharatiya Janata Party|President of Bharatiya Janata Party]]

| term_start5 = 23 December 2009

| term_end5 = 23 January 2013

| predecessor5 = [[Rajnath Singh]]

| successor5 = [[Rajnath Singh]]

| office6 = [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha]]

| constituency6 = [[Nagpur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Nagpur]]

| term_start6 = 16 May 2014

| term_end6 =

| predecessor6 = [[Vilas Muttemwar]]

| successor6 =

| office7 = Leader of Opposition [[Maharashtra Legislative Council]]

| term_start7 = 23 October 1999

| term_end7 = 11 April 2005

| predecessor7 = [[Chhagan Bhujbal]]

| successor7 = [[Pandurang Fundkar]]

| office8 = Member of [[Maharashtra Legislative Council]]

| term_start8 = 20 July 1990

| term_end8 = 16 May 2014

| predecessor8 =

| successor8 = [[Anil Sole]]

| constituency8 = Nagpur Graduates

| office9 = [[Manohar Joshi ministry|Cabinet Minister]] [[Government of Maharashtra]]

| minister9 = *[[Ministry of Public Works (Maharashtra)|Public Works]]

| term_start9 = 1995

| term_end9 = 1999

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1957|5|27}}

| birth_place = [[Nagpur]], [[Bombay State]] (present [[Maharashtra]]), India

| death_date =

| death_place =

| spouse = Kanchan Gadkari

| children = 3

| party = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]

| alma_mater = [[Nagpur University]] ([[M.Com]], [[LLB]])

| profession = Businessman & Politician

| website = {{url|https://nitingadkari.org}}

}}

'''Nitin Jairam Gadkari''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=En-uk-Nitin Gadkari.ogg|n|i|t|i|n|_|g|ʌ|d|k|ʌ|ˈ|r|i}}; born 27 May 1957) is an Indian politician from [[Maharashtra]]<ref name="indiatoday.in">{{Cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/nagpur-election-result-2019-nitin-gadkari-nana-patole-1532886-2019-05-23 | title=Nagpur Election Results 2019: Nitin Gadkari defeats Congress's Nana Patole | access-date=1 June 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601075157/https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/nagpur-election-result-2019-nitin-gadkari-nana-patole-1532886-2019-05-23 | archive-date=1 June 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> who is the current [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Minister for Road Transport & Highways]] in the [[Government of India]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-19/india/28067924_1_rajnath-singh-nitin-gadkari-bjp-president|title=Rajnath steps down, Gadkari takes over as BJP president|access-date=1 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025150732/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-19/india/28067924_1_rajnath-singh-nitin-gadkari-bjp-president|archive-date=25 October 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is also the longest serving [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Minister for Road Transport & Highways]] currently running his tenure for over 7 years.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 June 2021|title=Highway construction’s pace bulldozes pandemic barriers! Sets new record|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/roadways/highway-constructions-pace-bulldozes-pandemic-barriers-sets-new-record/2268518/|access-date=14 July 2021|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> Gadkari earlier served as the President of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] (BJP) from 2009 to 2013.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-19975645 | publisher=BBC News | title=Profile: Nitin Gadkari | date=23 January 2013 | access-date=20 June 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101094121/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-19975645 | archive-date=1 November 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> He is also known for his work as the Public Works Department Minister of the State of [[Maharashtra]], where, under his leadership, a series of roads, highways and [[Overpass|flyovers]] across the state were constructed – including the [[Mumbai-Pune Expressway]], India's first six-lane concrete, high-speed expressway.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/mumbai/ |title=Mumbai-Pune Expressway, India |publisher=Road Traffic Technology |access-date=21 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002124346/http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/mumbai |archive-date=2 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/bjps_new_chief_seen_as_moderniser.php|title=BJP's new chief seen as moderniser|access-date=19 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223000912/http://www.ndtv.com/news/india/bjps_new_chief_seen_as_moderniser.php|archive-date=23 December 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Gadkari is closely associated with the [[Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh]] (RSS), which is headquartered in his home constituency of Nagpur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/opinion-a-theory-about-the-sudden-rise-of-nitin-gadkari-1554059463808.html|title=Opinion: A theory about the sudden rise of Nitin Gadkari|last=Joseph|first=Manu|date=1 April 2019|website=livemint.com|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718230246/https://www.livemint.com/opinion/columns/opinion-a-theory-about-the-sudden-rise-of-nitin-gadkari-1554059463808.html|archive-date=18 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thewire.in/politics/nitin-gadkari-bjp-narendra-modi-amit-shah-rss|title=RSS is Likely Using Nitin Gadkari to Divide and Rule the BJP|website=The Wire|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718230242/https://thewire.in/politics/nitin-gadkari-bjp-narendra-modi-amit-shah-rss|archive-date=18 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/gadkari-rsss-blue-eyed-boy-who-talks-like-a-congressi-may-be-bjps-answer-to-alliance-trouble-1985347.html|title=I'll be There For You: Why RSS Trusts Gadkari to Win Alliance Partners and Influence Opponents|website=News18|date=28 December 2018|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718230242/https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/gadkari-rsss-blue-eyed-boy-who-talks-like-a-congressi-may-be-bjps-answer-to-alliance-trouble-1985347.html|archive-date=18 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> He currently represents the [[Nagpur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Nagpur constituency]] in the [[Lok Sabha]], and is a lawyer by occupation. During the cabinet reshuffle on 7 July 2021 the portfolio for [[Ministry of MSME]] which was under him was reassigned to [[Narayan Rane]], another BJP MP from [[Maharashtra]] as a part of cabinet expansion.

==Background and education==

Nitin Gadkari was born into a [[Marathi people|Marathi]] family^[1]<ref>{{cite news|title=Son of the Sangh Nitin Gadkari's heritage as the RSS's man in reserve|url=http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/son-of-the-sangh|work=[[The Caravan]]|author=Praveen Donthi|access-date=1 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411153419/http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reportage/son-of-the-sangh|archive-date=11 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/brahmins-bag-most-top-bjp-posts-70890-2010-04-04|title=Brahmins bag most top BJP posts|access-date=4 April 2010|work=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813143327/https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/brahmins-bag-most-top-bjp-posts-70890-2010-04-04|archive-date=13 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=92F7DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT20|title=INDIA'S NEW CAPITALISTS: Caste, Business, and Industry in a Modern Nation|author=Harish Damodaran|publisher=Hachette UK|access-date=25 November 2018|page=20|quote=The Mhaiskars are Chitpavan, while Gadkari is a Deshastha Brahmin|isbn=9789351952800|date=25 November 2018}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news|title=Let's Drop Anchor|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/lets-drop-anchor/293531|publisher=Outlook India|access-date=5 March 2015|quote=In another mail of Friday, July 5, 2013, a detailed plan from Vaibhav Dange is forwarded to the captain by Sunil Bajaj, from Essar Services. This mail lists Nikhil and Sarang Gadkari as contact persons, and lists their mobile numbers. The planner adds, "Everybody is Vegetarian and prefers Asian vegetarian that is Indian Veg, Chinese Veg etc."|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507190126/http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/lets-drop-anchor/293531|archive-date=7 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Gadkari loves his food & politics|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/gadkari-loves-his-food-politics/articleshow/5360386.cms|work=The Economic Times|access-date=21 December 2009|quote=Mr Gadkari is full of ideas about development and food. Had it not been politics, he perhaps could have been one of the best food critics. His stout and rather over-nourished figure though stands testimony to his fondness for food, it actually doesn't tell a complete story. An authority on pure vegetarian and Maharashtrian food, Nitin equally loves to take his friends on culinary trips|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218021155/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/gadkari-loves-his-food-politics/articleshow/5360386.cms|archive-date=18 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> in [[Nagpur]], India to Jairam Gadkari and Bhanutai Gadkari on 27 May 1957.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/indian-parliament/nitin-jairam-gadkari |title=Nitin Jairam Gadkari | National Portal of India |access-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813112743/https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/indian-parliament/nitin-jairam-gadkari |archive-date=13 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref>{{cite web |title=Members : Lok Sabha - Gadkari, Shri Nitin Jairam |url=http://164.100.47.194/Loksabha/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4923 |website=Lok Sabha |access-date=23 May 2022}}</ref>During his adolescence, he worked for the [[Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha]] and the student union [[Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad]]. He completed M.Com. and L.L.B. from [[Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University|Nagpur University]].<ref>{{citation |title=Cabinet reshuffle: Modi government's got talent but is it being fully utilised? |url=http://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cabinet-reshuffle-modi-governments-got-talent-but-is-it-being-fully-utilised/articleshow/53132757.cms |work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=10 July 2016 |access-date=13 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607010048/https://m.economictimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/cabinet-reshuffle-modi-governments-got-talent-but-is-it-being-fully-utilised/articleshow/53132757.cms |archive-date=7 June 2019 |url-status=live |last1=Layak |first1=Suman }}</ref>

==Political career==

Nitin Gadkari served as the Minister of [[List of public works ministries|Public Works Department]] (PWD) of the [[Government of Maharashtra]] from 1995 to 1999 and restructured it from top to bottom.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/x1xPKHu1mNjfKcdb8Y8xSK/Gadkari-emerges-as-frontrunner-for-post.html |title=Gadkari emerges as front-runner for post |date=15 November 2009 |access-date=29 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915123300/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/x1xPKHu1mNjfKcdb8Y8xSK/Gadkari-emerges-as-frontrunner-for-post.html |archive-date=15 September 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> He has served as the president of the [[Maharashtra|Maharashtra state]] unit of BJP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nitin Gadkari takes over as new BJP chief, Rajnath steps down|url=http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3489610|publisher=MSN India|access-date=27 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312092225/http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3489610|archive-date=12 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Gadkari strongly supported [[privatisation]] while he campaigned for investments in infrastructure from [[private firm]]s. He addressed several meetings between private investors, [[General contractor|contractors]], builders and various [[trade organisation]]s and diverted large amounts of budgeted projects towards privatisation. Subsequently, the state government allocated {{INR}}7 billion for rural connectivity. Over the next four years, all-weather road connectivity in Maharashtra was extended to 98% of the population. The project aimed to connect 13,736 remote villages which remained unconnected since independence by road.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.motorindiaonline.in/aftermarket/nitin-gadkari-sure-to-transform-transport-sector/|title=Nitin Gadkari sure to transform transport sector|date=June 2014|website=MotorIndia|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027021715/http://www.motorindiaonline.in/aftermarket/nitin-gadkari-sure-to-transform-transport-sector/|archive-date=27 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bjp.org/images/pdf/nitin_gadkari_biodata.pdf|title=Standard Bio-introduction of Shri Nitin Gadkari|website=bjp.org|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027021657/http://www.bjp.org/images/pdf/nitin_gadkari_biodata.pdf|archive-date=27 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> It also helped ameliorate [[malnutrition]] in remote [[Melghat]]-[[Dharni, Amravati|Dharni]] area of [[Amravati]] district, which previously had no access to medical aid, [[ration]] or educational facilities.

The Union Government appointed him as the Chairman of [[Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana|National Rural Road Development Committee]]. After a series of meetings and studies, Gadkari submitted his report to the central government and gave the presentation to [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]], then [[Prime Minister of India]]. His new report was accepted and [[Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana]], an ambitious rural road connecting scheme worth ₹600 billion, was launched.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.agricultureinformation.com/mag/?p=6429 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720201251/http://www.agricultureinformation.com/mag/?p=6429 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 July 2012 |title=Nitin Gadkari wants Ganga – Cauvery Link of national rivers! |publisher=Agricultureinformation.com |date=12 May 2010 |access-date=22 December 2010 }}</ref><ref>[http://rural.nic.in/book00-01/ch-3.pdf] {{vn|date=December 2010}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031231171236/http://rural.nic.in/book00-01/ch-3.pdf |date=31 December 2003 }}</ref>

He received the Late Madhavrao Limaye Award by Public Library Nashik, for Most Efficient Member of Parliament for 2020-21.<ref>{{cite news |title=nashik: Savana To Felicitate Gadkari For ‘efficiency’ |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nashik/savana-to-felicitate-gadkari-for-efficiency/articleshow/89416364.cms |access-date=3 March 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=8 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=नितीन गडकरी यांना कार्यक्षम खासदार पुरस्कार जाहीर |url=https://www.loksatta.com/maharashtra/nitin-gadkari-has-been-declared-the-efficient-mp-award-msr-87-2794039/ |access-date=3 March 2022 |work=Loksatta |date=7 February 2022 |language=mr}}</ref>

===Positions served===

Minister, Govt of Maharashtra<ref name="nagpurpulse1">{{cite web |url=http://www.nagpurpulse.com/nitin-gadkari |title=Nitin Gadkari | Nagpur News, Blogs, Jobs, Events, Classifieds, Travel, Education and Business Directory |date=22 January 2008 |publisher=Nagpurpulse.com |access-date=11 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314004931/http://www.nagpurpulse.com/nitin-gadkari |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

*Chairman, Purti Group of Companies<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

President, [[Bharatiya Janata Party]], Maharashtra State<ref>[http://www.bjp.org/content/view/2613/463/ BJP official site] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029185154/http://www.bjp.org/content/view/2613/463/ |date=29 October 2009 }}</ref>

*[[Leader of Opposition]], [[Maharashtra Legislative Council]]<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Former Minister for Public Works Department, [[Maharashtra State]]<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*[[Member of Legislative Council]], Maharashtra State<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Elected to the [[Maharashtra Vidhan Parishad|Maharashtra Govt. Legislative Council]] in 1989 from graduates constituency, Nagpur Region<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Re-elected in 1990<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Re-elected in 1996 and elected unopposed in 2002<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Inducted in the Maharashtra State Government Cabinet as the Minister for Public Works on 27 May 1995<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Member of the High Powered Committee for Privatisation, [[Government of Maharashtra]]<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Chairman, [[Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation]], India<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Guardian Minister for Nagpur District, Govt. of Maharashtra<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Chairman, Mining policy Implementation Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Chairman, Metropolis Beautification Committee, Govt. of Maharashtra<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Leader of Opposition, Maharashtra Legislative Council, Chairman [[Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana|National Rural Road Development Committee]]<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

*Chairman, Review Committee of CPWD, Govt. of India<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

State President of [[Bharatiya Janata Party]], Maharashtra<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-nitin-gadkari-5_2262839612219064320_4 |title=Biography for Nitin Gadkari |publisher=Silobreaker |access-date=11 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312041132/http://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-nitin-gadkari-5_2262839612219064320_4 |archive-date=12 March 2012 }}</ref>

National President of [[BJP]], India<ref>{{cite news | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/sunday-et/dateline-india/Gadkari-becomes-the-youngest-BJP-president/articleshow/5357402.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Features | date=20 December 2009 | first1=Devesh | last1=Kumar | access-date=26 January 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015042240/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/sunday-et/dateline-india/Gadkari-becomes-the-youngest-BJP-president/articleshow/5357402.cms | archive-date=15 October 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>

=== As Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, Maharashtra, 1996–99 ===

As PWD Minister of [[Maharashtra Legislative Council|Maharashtra]], Gadkari played a crucial rule in expediting the construction of the [[Mumbai Pune Expressway|Mumbai-Pune Expressway]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Dandekar|first1=Hemalata C.|last2=Mahajan|first2=Sulakshana|year=2001|title=MSRDC and Mumbai-Pune Expressway: A Sustainable Model for Privatising Construction of Physical Infrastructure?|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=36|issue=7|pages=549–559|issn=0012-9976|jstor=4410291}}</ref> In 1990, the [[Government of Maharashtra]] conducted feasibility studies for the new expressway to be operated on a toll basis, however, it was only after Gadkari took over as PWD Minister<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi-swearing-in-live-nitin-gadkari/1/363635.html|title=Nitin Gadkari: Minister of Road Transport and Highways, and Shipping|work=India Today|access-date=26 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528050122/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi-swearing-in-live-nitin-gadkari/1/363635.html|archive-date=28 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> that the construction of this project was fast-tracked. Gadkari entrusted the work of the construction of Mumbai-Pune expressway to [[Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation|MSRDC]] in March 1997 on Build-Operate-Transfer basis with permission to collect toll for 30 years. The tender notice<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1151004/jsp/7days/story_46009.jsp|title=One-man band|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=4 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010014103/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1151004/jsp/7days/story_46009.jsp|archive-date=10 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> was published in leading newspapers all over India and also on the Internet. Due to the wide publicity, 133 tenders were sold and on 18 December 1997, 55 tenders were received. After technical and financial evaluation, tenders were accepted and work orders were given on 1 January 1998 to four contractors. Thereafter tenders for widening of the [[Khandala]] and [[Lonavla|Lonavala]]-[[Khandala]] bypass works were invited. The tenders were received on 24 August 1998 and orders were issued on 4 September 1998. The first sections of the Expressway opened in 2000, and the entire route was completed, opened to traffic and made fully operational from April 2002.

The other major achievement of Gadkari as state minister<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nitin-gadkari-flyover-man/article6051209.ece|title=Nitin Gadkari – flyover man|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 May 2014|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117143905/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nitin-gadkari-flyover-man/article6051209.ece|archive-date=17 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> was the construction of 55 flyovers in Mumbai, which eased the city traffic problems significantly.

===As President of BJP, 2009–2013===

Gadkari was appointed the president of the BJP in December 2009. This was considering a tough phase for the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]] as the party had lost two successive [[Lok Sabha]] elections and needed a quick revamp.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/BJPs-focus-is-on-development-socio-economic-reform-and-nationalism-Nitin-Gadkari/article16366188.ece|title=BJP's focus is on development, socio-economic reform, and nationalism: Nitin Gadkari|newspaper=the hindu|date=12 April 2010|access-date=12 April 2010|last1=Ramakrishnan|first1=T.}}</ref>

In his book, ''India Aspires'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/COLUMNISTS/oped/this-one-has-walked-the-talk.html|title=THIS ONE HAS WALKED THE TALK|publisher=the pioneer|access-date=14 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214000248/http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/oped/this-one-has-walked-the-talk.html|archive-date=14 February 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Gadkari spells out his development ideas for the country in great detail. Increased institutional support to green energy, alternate fuel and effective waste management hold special importance in Gadkari's development plan. <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/author-gadkari-spells-out-his-aspirations/234073|title='Author' Gadkari spells out his aspirations|work=Free Press Journal|access-date=12 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102172154/http://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/author-gadkari-spells-out-his-aspirations/234073|archive-date=2 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

As party president, Gadkari, re-emphasised on legendary Jan Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhya's principles of [[Integral humanism (India)|Integral Humanism]] and ''Antyodaya'' (upliftment of the poor). At the same time, various cells<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/BJP+creates+Governance+Cell+makes+Goa+ex-CM+convenor/1/95277.html|title=BJP creates Governance Cell, makes Goa ex-CM convenor|work=India Today|access-date=29 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103002723/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/BJP+creates+Governance+Cell+makes+Goa+ex-CM+convenor/1/95277.html|archive-date=3 January 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://m.firstpost.com/india/gadkari-prescribes-e-governance-to-battle-corruption-479396.html|title=Gadkari prescribes e-governance to battle corruption|date=4 October 2012|publisher=Firstpost|access-date=4 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924132852/http://m.firstpost.com/india/gadkari-prescribes-e-governance-to-battle-corruption-479396.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> were constituted within the party to regularly monitor the develop work undertaken by various BJP state governments and to come up with new policy inputs.

Gadkari resigned as party president in January 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nitin-gadkari-resigns-rajnath-singh-likely-to-be-next-bjp-president-511098|title=Nitin Gadkari resigns; Rajnath Singh likely to be next BJP president|last=Shrivastava|first=Rahul|date=January 2013|publisher=NDTV|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027061511/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nitin-gadkari-resigns-rajnath-singh-likely-to-be-next-bjp-president-511098|archive-date=27 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/bjp-dumps-nitin-gadkari-gives-rajnath-singh-his-job-113012200591_1.html|title=BJP dumps Nitin Gadkari, gives Rajnath Singh his job|last=BS Reporter|date=January 2013|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=26 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027023212/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/bjp-dumps-nitin-gadkari-gives-rajnath-singh-his-job-113012200591_1.html|archive-date=27 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections===

Gadkari contested 2014 Lok Sabha election successfully from [[Nagpur]] constituency and won. He defeated Congress party candidate [[Vilas Muttemwar]] by margin of {{formatnum:285000}}. He retained his seat in 2019, defeating [[Nanabhau Patole|Nana Patole]] of Congress party by {{formatnum:216000}} margin.<ref name="indiatoday.in"/>

===Union Minister===

[[File:Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari taking charge as the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, in New Delhi on May 29, 2014.jpg|250px|thumb|Gadkari taking charge as the [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways]] and [[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Shipping]], in New Delhi on 29 May 2014.]]

[[File:Shri Nitin Gadkari taking charge as the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, in New Delhi on June 04, 2019.jpg|thumb|Gadkari taking charge as the [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways]], in New Delhi on 4 June 2019.]]

[[File:Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Melinda Gates, Co-Chairs of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation calls on the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on September 19, 2014.jpg|thumb| [[Bill Gates]] and [[Melinda Gates]], Co-Chairs of the [[Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation]] calls on the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari, in [[New Delhi]] on 19 September 2014.]]

Gadkari became the [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways|Minister of Road Transport and Highways]] and [[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Minister of Shipping]] in May 2014.{{sfn|Mahurkar|2017|p=120}} Out of the stalled projects he inherited, projects worth {{INRConvert|1|t}} were terminated and others worth {{INRConvert|350|b}} were put up for rebidding.{{sfn|Mahurkar|2017|p=122}} He increased the pace of road creation in the country from 2 km/day to 16.5 km/day in his first year and to 21 km/day in the second year and end of 2018 30 km/day.{{sfn|Mahurkar|2017|pp=121–122}} He reserved an amount of one per cent of the total projects awarded in his tenure worth {{INRConvert|2|t}} for trees and beautification.{{sfn|Mahurkar|2017|p=123}}

During the [[Second Modi ministry]], Gadkari retained [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]], while the Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation were replaced with [[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]] on 31 May 2019.<ref>{{citation |title=PM Modi allocates portfolios. Full list of new ministers |url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/pm-modi-allocates-portfolios-full-list-of-new-ministers-1559288502067.html |work=[[Live Mint]] |date=31 May 2019 |access-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602015648/https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/pm-modi-allocates-portfolios-full-list-of-new-ministers-1559288502067.html |archive-date=2 June 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Highway construction pace post 2019 was 36 km per day in 2020 and Gadkari aims to take it to 68 kms per day with a target of 25000 kms in 2022-23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Highway construction speed to be enhanced to meet next fiscal target: Road Transport Secretary |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/national-highway-construction-speed-to-be-enhanced-to-meet-next-fiscal-target-road-transport-secretary/2427468/ |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2021 |title=Despite lockdown, national highway construction hits all-time high of 36.4 km/day in 2020-21 |url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/despite-lockdown-national-highway-construction-hits-all-time-high-of-36-4-km-day-in-2020-21/632648/ |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> In line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat green fuel adoption and fuel self sufficiency Gadkari drove to the parliament in a hydrogen powered FCEV Toyota Mirai car. He asked people to opt for green fuel vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Livemint |date=30 March 2022 |title=Nitin Gadkari reaches Parliament in India’s first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/nitin-gadkari-reaches-parliament-in-india-s-first-hydrogen-fuel-cell-vehicle-see-pics-11648618639276.html |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref>

== Speech at NHAI headquarters inauguration ==

Gadkari, who was virtually present at the inauguration of the headquarters of the [[National Highways Authority of India]] (NHAI) on 28 October 2020, made a speech that was highly critical of the NHAI officials and bureaucracy.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 October 2020|title='I am ashamed this project took so long to finish': Nitin Gadkari on NHAI building inauguration|url=https://scroll.in/video/977066/i-am-ashamed-this-project-took-so-long-to-finish-nitin-gadkari-on-nhai-building-inauguration|access-date=30 October 2020|website=Scroll.in|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Manchanda|first=Megha|date=29 October 2020|title=Nitin Gadkari's criticism of NHAI casts shadow on the body's functioning|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/nitin-gadkari-s-criticism-of-nhai-casts-shadow-on-the-body-s-functioning-120102901079_1.html|access-date=30 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharma|first=Akhilesh|date=29 October 2020|title=Hang Photos Of Officers Who Delayed Building For 12 Years: Nitin Gadkari|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/nitin-gadkari-hang-photos-of-officers-who-delayed-building-for-12-years-2317155|access-date=30 October 2020|website=NDTV}}</ref>

==Industrial career==

During his career in politics, Gadkari set up a number of private industries and companies.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajnath-steps-down-Gadkari-takes-over-as-BJP-president/articleshow/5356182.cms |title=Rajnath steps down, Gadkari takes over as BJP president |work=The Times of India |date=19 December 2009 |access-date=22 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117033929/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajnath-steps-down-Gadkari-takes-over-as-BJP-president/articleshow/5356182.cms |archive-date=17 November 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> These include –

* Poly sack Industrial Society Ltd – founder and chairman<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

* Nikhil Furniture and Appliances Pvt. Ltd – promoter and director<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

* Antyodaya Trust – founder and member<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

* Empress Employees Co-operative Paper Mills Ltd – founder and chairman<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/>

Purti Power and Sugar Ltd / Purti Sakhar Karkhana Ltd – promoter<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/gadkari-under-cag-fire-for-rs-49-crore-purti-loan-cong-wants-his-ouster/story-2UMpVMfLW1NBo8M44Ks5TL.html|title=Archived copy|access-date=30 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002174300/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/gadkari-under-cag-fire-for-rs-49-crore-purti-loan-cong-wants-his-ouster/story-2UMpVMfLW1NBo8M44Ks5TL.html|archive-date=2 October 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Gadkari has registered himself as an [[agriculturist]] for tax purposes. He also started a fruit export company under the banner of "Ketaki overseas Trading Company".<ref name="nagpurpulse1"/> He owns a total of 17 sugar plantations in [[Vidarbha]] under the banner of the Purti group. Nitin Gadkari floated the Purti Power and Sugar Ltd (now Purti Group) in 1995,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://purtigroup.com|title=Purti Group|access-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107224156/http://www.purtigroup.com/|archive-date=7 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> when he started as PWD minister in Maharashtra. In 2012, the companies came into the media glare based on irregularities unearthed by RTI activist [[Anjali Damania]], the Income Tax department investigated a number of firms that had invested in Purti, and found more than a dozen of these to be bogus addresses.<ref>{{cite news |title = I-T noose tightens around Nitin Gadkari, finds most of the addresses of investors in Purti group to be bogus|author= Aditi Raja |work = India Today|url = http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nitin-gadkari-income-tax-department-noose-tightens-addresses-of-investors-in-purti-group/1/228292.html |date = 9 November 2012 |access-date = 24 May 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200151/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/nitin-gadkari-income-tax-department-noose-tightens-addresses-of-investors-in-purti-group/1/228292.html |archive-date = 25 May 2014 |url-status = live}} The Income Tax department, which had recently raided and searched the

premises of various companies associated with the Purti group, [said in a report] that these 'shell companies' are 'fake' or 'non-existent'.</ref> Another three investing firms were found co-located with the Somani Group, but no one knew of these firms.<ref>{{cite news |title = Mysterious investors in Gadkari's group share 'fake' addresses |author1 = Sandeep Ashar |author2 = Rajshri Mehta |name-list-style = amp |work = The Times of India |url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mysterious-investors-in-Gadkaris-group-share-fake-addresses/articleshow/16921001.cms |date = 23 October 2012 |access-date = 24 May 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023154838/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mysterious-investors-in-Gadkaris-group-share-fake-addresses/articleshow/16921001.cms |archive-date = 23 October 2012 |url-status = live}}quote: Vidya Buildcon Private Ltd, Sanobar Infrastructure and Roller Multitrade — are all registered in an office on the second floor of Shree Niwas House... This was the headquarters of various companies belonging to the well-known Somani Group. Members of the Somani family and their employees present in the premises denied any knowledge regarding these firms.</ref> Following this, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal amplified the allegations accusing Gadkari of irregularities. However, Kejriwal apologised unconditionally after Gadkari filed a defamation case against him.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 March 2018 |title=Kejriwal’s apology to Gadkari: Mumbai activist Damania says there’s more to it than meets the eye |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/kejriwal-s-apology-to-gadkari-mumbai-activist-damania-says-there-s-more-to-it-than-meets-the-eye/story-1lhYjOw1RSkaVaOuqvk45I.html |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

In 2010, when the Purti group had incurred losses of Rs. 640 million,<ref>{{cite news| title = Gadkari denies allegations of murky dealings| work = The Hindu | url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gadkari-denies-allegations-of-murky-dealings/article4017219.ece|date = 21 October 2012 | access-date = 24 May 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200801/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gadkari-denies-allegations-of-murky-dealings/article4017219.ece | archive-date = 25 May 2014 | url-status = live }}</ref> the firm [[IRB Infrastructure|IRB]], which had obtained hefty road contracts under Gadkari's term as PWD minister, loaned the group Rs. 1.64 billion, which was higher than Purthi's turnover of Rs. 1.45 billion. When questioned on Marathi channel [[News18 Lokmat|IBN-Lokmat]], about why he did not avail a loan from banks, Gadkari explained that the balance sheets of the company were not in a suitable state, so he had requested his friend Dattatray to help him out.<ref name=it/> Also, Gadkari's son Nikhil was allegedly a director with IRB at the time. Gadkari argued that there was nothing wrong in having contractors invest in one's firms.<ref>

{{cite news| title =Nothing wrong in getting investments from contractors: Nitin Gadkari tells NDTV |author1=Sreenivasan Jain |author2=Miloni Bhatt |author3=Abhinav Bhatt | publisher =NDTV | url = http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/nothing-wrong-in-getting-investments-from-contractors-nitin-gadkari-tells-ndtv-282265 | date = 20 October 2012}}</ref>

The news of these allegations broke a few months before Gadkari was to seek re-election as president of the BJP. At the time, Gadkari was to address several rallies for the [[2012 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election]]. [[India Today]] reported that BJP leader [[Shanta Kumar]] had suggested that Gadkari's presence was "affecting BJP's anti-corruption campaign."<ref>{{cite news |title= The burden of Gadkari |author = Bhavna Vij-Aurora |work = India Today |url= http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/the-burden-of-gadkari/1/247547.html |date= 25 January 2013 |access-date= 24 May 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525195037/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/the-burden-of-gadkari/1/247547.html|archive-date = 25 May 2014|url-status = live}}</ref> Subsequently, Gadkari cancelled his scheduled rallies at Bilaspur and Solan on 30 October.

In early 2013, in the elections for BJP president, for which Gadkari was "close to clinching a second innings"<ref>{{cite news| title = Nitin Gadkari: an ex-president of BJP trying to make Lok Sabha debut| publisher = NDTV| url = http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/election-news/nitin-gadkari-an-ex-president-of-bjp-trying-to-make-lok-sabha-debut-501219| date = 28 March 2014| access-date = 24 May 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140516214307/http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/election-news/nitin-gadkari-an-ex-president-of-bjp-trying-to-make-lok-sabha-debut-501219|archive-date = 16 May 2014| url-status = live}}</ref> his chances unravelled with several senior leaders suggesting that the I-T indictment of the Purti groups investments had damaged his image,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/bjp-dumps-nitin-gadkari-gives-rajnath-singh-his-job-113012200591_1.html|title=BJP dumps Nitin Gadkari, gives Rajnath Singh his job|author=BS|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=22 January 2013|access-date=17 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217132834/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/bjp-dumps-nitin-gadkari-gives-rajnath-singh-his-job-113012200591_1.html|archive-date=17 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> and Gadkari was not re-elected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/bjp-drops-nitin-gadkari-says-rajnath-singh-to-be-president/1063132/|title=BJP drops Nitin Gadkari, says Rajnath Singh to be president|access-date=24 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140525214114/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/bjp-drops-nitin-gadkari-says-rajnath-singh-to-be-president/1063132/|archive-date=25 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Gadkari told the ''[[Times of India]]'' that he was stepping down until the inquiry proved him innocent.<ref name=resign>{{cite news| title = What led to Nitin Gadkari's resignation as BJP president?| publisher =Times of India| url =http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/What-led-to-Nitin-Gadkaris-resignation-as-BJP-president/videoshow/18143577.cms| access-date =24 May 2014| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20130126141047/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/What-led-to-Nitin-Gadkaris-resignation-as-BJP-president/videoshow/18143577.cms| archive-date =26 January 2013| url-status =live}}</ref> Some RSS functionaries have suggested that his exit was the result of infighting.<ref>{{cite news|title= Gadkari's exit was due to internal political conspiracy, says Vaidya|author= Pavan Dahat|work= The Hindu|url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gadkaris-exit-was-due-to-internal-political-conspiracy-says-vaidya/article4358239.ece|date= 30 January 2013|access-date = 24 May 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140525202727/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gadkaris-exit-was-due-to-internal-political-conspiracy-says-vaidya/article4358239.ece|archive-date = 25 May 2014|url-status= live}}</ref> Subsequently, Gadkari threatened the I-T officers, saying "when our party comes to power, there would be no [[P. Chidambaram|Chidambaram]] or [[Sonia Gandhi|Sonia]] to save them (I-T officials)"; Gadkari said,"Earlier CBI was doing Congress's bidding and now the I-T people are following suit."<ref>{{cite news|title= Where will you go when BJP comes to power? Nitin Gadkari threatens I-T officials|agency= Press Trust of India|work= The Times of India|url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Where-will-you-go-when-BJP-comes-to-power-Nitin-Gadkari-threatens-I-T-officials/articleshow/18163212.cms|date= 24 January 2013|access-date= 24 May 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525212942/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Where-will-you-go-when-BJP-comes-to-power-Nitin-Gadkari-threatens-I-T-officials/articleshow/18163212.cms|archive-date = 25 May 2014|url-status= live}}</ref> The I-T officers association took umbrage at these remarks and demanded an apology.<ref>{{cite news| title =I-T officers' body demands apology from Gadkari| work =The Hindu| url =http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/it-officers-body-demands-apology-from-gadkari/article4350879.ece| date =27 January 2013| access-date =24 May 2014| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20140525202717/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/it-officers-body-demands-apology-from-gadkari/article4350879.ece| archive-date =25 May 2014| url-status =live}}</ref>

Eventually, in May 2013, the Income Tax department assessed that Gadkari's firms had evaded Rs. 70 million via such [[Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988|benami]] investments and other practices. On 30 April. 2014, then Congress union Minister [[Manish Tewari]] apologised to Nitin Gadkari when he was dragged in to a defamation suit by the latter. This apology was based on the judicial commission mention that Gadkari had played no role or had no concern with the scam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/election-2014/why-congress-manish-tewari-apologised-to-bjp-s-nitin-gadkari-516289|title=Why Congress' Manish Tewari apologised to BJP's Nitin Gadkari|author=Deepshikha Ghosh|date=30 April 2014|work=NDTV.com|access-date=30 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726113405/http://www.ndtv.com/elections/article/election-2014/why-congress-manish-tewari-apologised-to-bjp-s-nitin-gadkari-516289|archive-date=26 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 May 2014, the Income Tax department of Maharashtra state cleared Nitin Gadkari's name and gave him a clean chit saying there is no investigation presently pending.<ref name=it>{{cite news|title = In the Wrong Business|author=Will BJP president Nitin Gadkari get his second term in office?|publisher= Kiran Tare and Bhavna Vij-Aurora|url= http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bjp-president-nitin-gadkari-second-term-in-office-is-unlikely/1/226399.html|date = 26 October 2012 |access-date = 24 May 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525232603/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bjp-president-nitin-gadkari-second-term-in-office-is-unlikely/1/226399.html|archive-date=25 May 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-05-13/news/49820651_1_nitin-gadkari-bjp-president-purti-group|title=Income tax department clean chit to Nitin Gadkari, may get BJP chief post|work=timesofindia-economictimes|access-date=30 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812233602/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-05-13/news/49820651_1_nitin-gadkari-bjp-president-purti-group|archive-date=12 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=detects>{{cite news| title = IT dept detects Rs. 7 crore evasion in Gadkari's companies|work = The Hindu| url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/it-dept-detects-rs-7-crore-evasion-in-gadkaris-companies/article4685956.ece| date = 5 May 2013| access-date = 24 May 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525200829/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/it-dept-detects-rs-7-crore-evasion-in-gadkaris-companies/article4685956.ece| archive-date =25 May 2014|url-status =live}}</ref>

==Personal life==

Nitin Gadkari is married to Kanchan Gadkari and they have three children, Nikhil, Sarang and Ketki.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gadkari-daughter-ties-knot-at-glittering-ceremony-ministers-politicians-attend-function-4410140/|title=Gadkari' daughter ties knot at glittering ceremony, ministers, politicians attend function|date=4 December 2016|website=The Indian Express|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718230241/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gadkari-daughter-ties-knot-at-glittering-ceremony-ministers-politicians-attend-function-4410140/|archive-date=18 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/for-wedding-of-nitin-gadkaris-daughter-50-chartered-flights-to-ferry-guests-to-nagpur/|title=For wedding of Nitin Gadkari's daughter, 50 chartered flights to ferry guests to Nagpur|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=4 December 2016|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717080900/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/for-wedding-of-nitin-gadkaris-daughter-50-chartered-flights-to-ferry-guests-to-nagpur/|archive-date=17 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> His eldest son Nikhil is married to Rutuja Pathak<ref>{{cite news|publisher=NDTV|year=2010|url=https://www.ndtv.com/photos/news/the-big-bang-gadkari-wedding-celebrations-8704|title=The big-bang Gadkari wedding celebrations|access-date=19 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220002802/https://www.ndtv.com/photos/news/the-big-bang-gadkari-wedding-celebrations-8704|archive-date=20 February 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and Sarang Gadkari is married to Madhura Rodi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Not-that-big-fat-Indian-wedding-this-time-for-Nitin-Gadkaris-son/articleshow/13875853.cms|title=Not that big fat Indian wedding this time for Nitin Gadkari's son {{!}} Nagpur News|first=Ramu|last=Bhagwat|date=6 June 2012|website=The Times of India|access-date=18 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731164315/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Not-that-big-fat-Indian-wedding-this-time-for-Nitin-Gadkaris-son/articleshow/13875853.cms|archive-date=31 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Gadkari family follows a vegetarian diet.<ref name=":0" />

==Controversies==

In August 2019 Gadkari created controversy when he stated that he had advised the then Union Finance Minister to sack the [[Reserve Bank of India|RBI]] Governor because the latter was inflexible and adamant.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/had-once-told-finance-minister-to-sack-rbi-governor-nitin-gadkari/articleshow/70635825.cms|title=Gadkari tells Finance Minister to sack RBI Governor|date=12 August 2019|website=Business Standard}}</ref>

==See also==

* [[Make in India]]

==References==

===Citations===

===Sources===

{{citation |last=Mahurkar |first=Uday |author-link=Uday Mahurkar |title=Marching with a Billion: Analysing Narendra Modi's Government at Midterm |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BJ4kDwAAQBAJ |year=2017 |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |isbn=978-9-386-49584-6 }}

==External links==

{{Sister project links|Nitin Gadkari|display=Nitin Gadkari|q=no|wikt=no|v=no|voy=no|n=no|b=no|s=no|author=no|d=Q3504520}}

* [http://164.100.47.194/Loksabha/Members/MemberBioprofile.aspx?mpsno=4923 Biography Profile] at Lok Sabha, Parliament of India

* [http://nitingadkari.org/ Official website] (personal)

{{Navboxes

|title=Offices and distinctions

|list1=

{{s-ttl|title=Member of Parliament for [[Nagpur (Lok Sabha constituency)|Nagpur]] |years=2014–present}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (India)|Minister of Road Transport and Highways]]|years=26 May 2014–present}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Minister of Shipping]]|years=26 May 2014 – 26 May 2019}}

{{s-aft|after=[[Mansukh L. Mandaviya]] Minister of State (Independent Charge)}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[Minister of Rural Development (India)|Minister of Rural Development]]|years=4 June 2014 – 9 November 2014}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[Minister of Rural Development (India)|Minister of Panchayati Raj]]|years=4 June 2014 – 9 November 2014}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation|Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation]]|years=4 June 2014 – 9 November 2014}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation|Minister of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation]]|years=3 September 2017 – 26 May 2019}}

{{s-aft|after=Ministry renamed as Jal Shakti [[Gajendra Singh Shekhawat]]}}

{{s-bef|before=[[Giriraj Singh]] Minister of State (Independent Charge)}}

{{s-ttl|title=[[Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises|Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises]]|years=30 May 2019–present}}

}}

[[Category:1956 births]]

[[Category:Living people]]

[[Category:Politicians from Nagpur]]

[[Category:Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh pracharaks]]

[[Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Maharashtra]]

[[Category:Presidents of Bharatiya Janata Party]]

[[Category:16th Lok Sabha members]]

[[Category:Members of the Maharashtra Legislative Council]]

[[Category:Leaders of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council]]

[[Category:Members of the Cabinet of India]]

[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Maharashtra]]

[[Category:Narendra Modi ministry]]

[[Category:Marathi politicians]]

[[Category:17th Lok Sabha members]]

[[Category:National Democratic Alliance candidates in the 2019 Indian general election]]

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