Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday said the BJP’s ideology promotes inclusive development and is not directed against Muslims, stressing that the party works for people of all castes and communities.
Campaigning for the January 15 Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, Gadkari said the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance would fulfil the aspirations of the people if voted to power with a full majority. Addressing three public meetings in the city, he also assured voters that he would personally stand guarantee for the performance of the alliance’s candidates.
Seeking to counter what he described as misconceptions about the BJP, Gadkari said, “We are not against Muslims. We are against terrorism and Pakistan. Muslims who make sacrifices for the nation are as dear to us as Hindus. Whether one goes to a mosque, gurdwara or Buddhist vihar, our blood is the same. We are Bharatiya, and we work for all.”
He reiterated that all hopes and expectations of citizens would be met if the BJP–Shiv Sena alliance secured a clear mandate. “I will be a guarantor on behalf of BJP candidates,” he said, while highlighting infrastructure projects undertaken by him and the Maharashtra government.
Speaking at a public meeting in North Nagpur, Gadkari accused opposition leaders of spreading misinformation, including claims that violence would follow if the BJP came to power. He maintained that the party’s ideology teaches its workers to serve everyone without discrimination.
Gadkari said that while he is a committed BJP worker who believes strongly in the party’s ideology, he represents all citizens of his constituency, including those who did not vote for him. He added that he works for people irrespective of caste, religion or language.
The Union minister also rejected allegations that the BJP intends to change the Constitution, claiming that it was the Congress that amended the Constitution multiple times in the past.
