'If Modi steps down, Nitin Gadkari should become PM'; Karnataka MLA on Mohan Bhagwat's remark

BENGALURU: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had recently said that leaders who turn 75 should retire and make way for others. Now, the statement made by Congress leader and MLA Belur Gopalakrishna in connection with Bhagwat’s remark is stirring discussion. Belur Gopalakrishna said that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi steps down upon turning 75, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari should succeed him as the next Prime Minister.

He said, “Gadkari is a leader who stands with ordinary people. He has done good work for the country, including in the area of national highways. Through his actions, the public knows what kind of person he is.” He also pointed to Gadkari’s recent statement that “the rich are getting richer” as an example of his thinking. “This shows that Gadkari has a vision for the country's development. Such individuals should be made Prime Minister,” Gopalakrishna added.

“Mohan Bhagwat has indicated that those who have turned 75 must step down. I believe Gadkari’s time has come,” he concluded.