Nitin Gadkari is a highly influential figure in Indian politics, currently serving as a Union Minister. His career spans decades, marked by significant contributions and notable controversies.
Wiki/Biography
Born on 27 May 1957 (age 67 years; as of 2024) in Nagpur, Bombay State (now Maharashtra), Nitin Jairam Gadkari’s zodiac sign is Gemini. He completed his schooling in Nagpur and went on to earn an LL.B. and M.Com from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University. His educational pursuits also included a diploma in Business Management. His family faced financial challenges during his childhood, leading him to take on part-time jobs to support his education.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5’6″
- Weight: 95 kg (approx.)
- Eye Colour: Dark Brown
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Wife & Caste
Nitin Gadkari hails from a Deshastha Brahmin family. His father, Jairam Ramchandra Gadkari, was a farmer, and his mother, Bhanutai Gadkari, a housewife. He has one sister, Manisha Kishor Totade. He’s married to Kanchan Gadkari, a social worker, and they have three children: Nikhil (eldest), Sarang, and Ketki (youngest). All three children are married.
Political Career
Gadkari’s political involvement began early. He joined the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in 1976, actively participating in student elections. His success led to the ABVP winning all Nagpur University student body seats. He rose through the ranks, becoming President of the Nagpur Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in 1981 and subsequently elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 1990, serving four consecutive terms.
His career highlights include serving as Public Works Department (PWD) Minister in Maharashtra (1995), Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council (1996), and President of the Maharashtra BJP (2004). He became BJP National President in 2009, a position he held until 2013. His election to the Lok Sabha in 2014 marked his entry into national politics, where he served as Union Minister. He won again in 2019 and 2024, significantly increasing his political influence.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Gadkari has faced various controversies. These include an incident in 2011 involving the death of a young girl found in his car, allegations of money laundering and forgery in 2012, and scrutiny over his involvement in the e-rickshaw ban in 2014. He has also faced questioning regarding his comments on accepting bribes during a 2014 election rally.
Favourites
Gadkari’s personal preferences include:
- Politicians: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Narendra Modi
- Film: Singham
- Street Food: Samosa, Bhel Puri, Pani Puri
- Actress: Rekha
- Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
- Singer: Jagjit Singh
- Song: Tujhse Naraaz Nahi Zindagi
Address & Car Collection
His residential address is Plot No. 46, Hill Road, Gokulpeth, Nagpur. He owns a Honda CRV (2016 Model) and an Ambassador (1994 Model).
Assets & Properties, Net Worth & Salary
Gadkari’s reported net worth in 2019 was approximately Rs. 18.79 Crores. His income includes his salary as a Cabinet Minister (Rs. 1 Lac + allowances) and reportedly Rs. 4 lakh/month from his YouTube channel (launched in 2015).
| Asset Type | Value (in Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Movable Assets | 69.38 Lacs |
| Cash | 10,750 |
| Bank Deposits | 8.60 Lacs |
| Bonds & Shares | 3.60 Lacs |
| Jewellery (Gold) | 21.82 Lacs |
| Properties | 4.25 Crores |
Facts
- Gadkari was an early member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
- As PWD Minister, he championed infrastructure privatization, resulting in significantly improved road connectivity in Maharashtra.
- He chaired the National Rural Road Development Committee, contributing to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
- He’s known as the “Flyover Man” for building numerous flyovers in Mumbai.
- He played a key role in constructing the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
- He significantly increased road construction rates during his tenure as Minister.
- He received YouTube’s Golden Play button in 2024.
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