'NDA Not Guaranteed To Form Govt For Fourth Time, But...': Nitin Gadkari's Playful Jibe At Ramdas Athawale

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari noted that even if the NDA does not secure a fourth term in power, Ramdas Athawale would still be assured a ministerial role.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addresses during the Babasaheb Dr Ambedkar Smurti Award 2024, in Nagpur, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.

Source : PTI

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari playfully teased his colleague Ramdas Athawale at a rally in Nagpur saying that he would retain his ministerial position regardless of any change in government. 

Gadkari noted that even if the NDA does not secure a fourth term in power, Athawale would still be assured a ministerial role.

"We are not guaranteed to form the government for the fourth time. But Ramdas Athawale is guaranteed to become a minister again if any government comes. Ramdas Athawale's ministerial position is sure no matter who is in the government, " Gadkari said, according to ANI.

#WATCH | Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says, "We are not guaranteed to form the government for the fourth time. But Ramdas Athawale is guaranteed to become a minister again if any government comes. Ramdas Athawale's ministerial position is sure no matter who is in the… pic.twitter.com/o81sRPu60j

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2024

As per the NDTV report, later Nitin Gadkari clarified that the comment was just a joke, while Athawale was present on the stage.

President of the Republican Party of India (RPI) Ramdas Athawale, who has served as a Union Minister three times, expressed his confidence in continuing as a minister if the BJP wins a fourth term. Speaking at a gathering on Sunday, Athawale emphasised that RPI should be allocated 10 to 12 seats in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

Ramdas Athawale's Allegation Over Ministerial Positions

Athawale stated that as part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, His party will request three to four seats in Vidarbha, including areas like north Nagpur, Umred, Umarkhed, and Washim. “The RPI-A has made a list of 18 probable seats, which it will be sharing with the Mahayuti partners in a few days and expects to get at least 10 to 12 seats in the seat-sharing pact,” he said.

He also urged other alliance parties to allocate 3-4 seats from their share to RPI. Athawale previously claimed that despite promises, his party did not receive any ministerial positions due to the inclusion of Ajit Pawar's NCP in the Mahayuti government.

He also alleged that RPI was promised two cabinet positions and several district-level roles, which were not fulfilled because the NCP participated in the government.

The Maharashtra assembly elections, covering 288 seats, are expected to be held in November.