Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed deep grief over the tragic demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash in Baramati. Gadkari described the loss as personal, stating, 'For the last 40 years, he has been a very close friend of mine in Maharashtra's politics.' The transcript details the somber atmosphere in Baramati as political leaders, including Praful Patel, Devendra Fadnavis, and Eknath Shinde, gathered to pay their respects. The Maharashtra government has announced a three-day mourning period following the accident. The bulletin reflects on Pawar's political journey, his ambition to become the Chief Minister, and his reputation for being a witty and straightforward leader. Final rites with full state honours are scheduled for 5 PM at his home turf in Baramati. Supporters and well-wishers have flocked to the Ahilyabai Holkar Hospital as the state mourns the loss of the seasoned NCP leader.

On this Special Report, the focus is on an incident at the Sastan Plaza near Udupi, Karnataka, involving Shamaraj, a decorated former para commando and double amputee. Shamaraj, a war casualty of Operation Parakram, expressed his frustration after being stopped and asked to pay a toll despite presenting documents. He stated, 'I am a war casualty of Operation Parakram... why am I sitting in a wheelchair? You tell me.' While Shamaraj claimed he had passed other tolls without issue, staff at the Sasthana toll booth insisted on payment. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) defended the action, citing the rule book which stipulates that toll exemptions apply only to serving army personnel on official duty, not ex-servicemen. Reports suggest the exemption letter produced was in the name of his wife, Sivapriya, who was not present. The veteran has called upon Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to address the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by disabled ex-servicemen at national highway tolls.

This news report covers the significant leadership transition at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters, where Nitin Nabin officially took charge as the new party president. The speaker notes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the headquarters and was welcomed by outgoing president JP Nadda and the incoming chief, Nitin Nabeen. Highlighting the symbolic importance of the event, the speaker observed, 'He's sending a message that it is about the party leadership, that it is about the party president's position.' The bulletin reflects on the BJP's political journey since 1980, evolving from two seats in 1984 to a dominant central pillar of Indian politics. Key leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath were present to witness the transition. The event underscores the party's focus on meritocracy and organizational discipline as it prepares for the next three years under Nabeen's leadership.

In this address, an Unidentified speaker expresses deep gratitude to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership for providing an 'opportunity to take ordinary worker mine to the highest post'. The speaker lauds Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the world's most popular leader and an inspiration for all party workers. Highlighting the party's journey, the speaker acknowledges the contributions of senior leaders including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Nitin Gadkari in strengthening the organization from the national level down to the booth level. The speaker also recalls personal anecdotes from the Sadbhavana Mission in Gujarat and emphasizes the party's service-oriented approach during the Corona period. Paying tribute to the land of Bihar and its historical icons, the speaker describes the new role not just as a post, but as a responsibility toward a nationalist movement and the party's traditions.

In an exclusive interaction with India Today, Professor Rakesh Sinha, former MP and author, discusses the significance of Nitin Nabin’s appointment as the youngest BJP President at age 45. Sinha describes this move as a cornerstone of the 'Great Modi Vision of Democracy,' aimed at dismantling the 'political zamindari' or dynastic control prevalent in Indian politics. He emphasizes that while opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav represent 'Generation J' within family hierarchies, the BJP is empowering grassroots workers. Sinha highlights PM Narendra Modi's goal to bring one lakh youths without political lineages into leadership roles to achieve a 'Vixit Lok Tantra' (Developed Democracy). The conversation also touches upon the party's ideological mission to decolonise the Indian mind and the seamless transition of power within the BJP, citing the presence of four former presidents in the current cabinet as a testament to the party's unique organizational culture and commitment to merit over dynasty.

In this news bulletin, journalist Sahil Joshi analyzes the 'tectonic shift' in Maharashtra's political landscape following the BMC and municipal corporation elections. Joshi highlights how Devendra Fadnavis has successfully rebranded himself as 'Deva Bhau', effectively shedding past political setbacks to lead the BJP to a dominant position. He notes that Fadnavis 'takes all the boxes' as an urban, English-speaking leader who balances a development-focused 'Vikas Purush' image with 'hardcore Hindutva'. The discussion explores the possibility of Fadnavis becoming a prime ministerial contender in 2029, alongside leaders like Yogi Adityanath. Joshi further details the decimation of regional brands like the Shiv Sena and NCP, observing that while alliance partners have been 'tamed' or destroyed, the BJP has emerged as the sole growing force in the state. The segment concludes by contrasting the BJP's long-term vision with the 'myopic' approach of regional leaders who prioritize individual cabinet berths over party survival.

In this episode of Newstrack, the focus is on India Today's special investigation that exposed how Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates are being issued illegally without any vehicle tests in exchange for money.

On this Special Report, the focus is on a shocking investigation into Delhi's pollution control measures. An undercover operation reveals that Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates are being issued illegally without any vehicle tests. The programme highlights how corrupt centres provide certificates to polluting vehicles for a bribe, undermining the fight against the city's toxic air. A Union Minister acknowledges the transport sector's significant contribution to emissions, while the Delhi administration faces criticism for enforcement failures. The report also exposes private buses openly flouting BS4 and BS6 norms.

Political tensions are escalating in Bangladesh following the murder of student leader Usman Sharif Hadi. His brother, Omar Sharif Hadi, has publicly accused the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, of orchestrating the killing to disrupt the upcoming February 12 elections.

The big focus of this episode of 5 Live is Delhi's severe air pollution crisis, with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari admitting that vehicular emissions contribute to 40% of the problem and cause him to fall ill.

A historic political reunion is underway as cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray announce an alliance for the critical BMC elections, a move aimed at consolidating the Marathi vote to 'save Maharashtra'.

This news report covers the dual crises impacting Delhi: severe air pollution and significant legal decisions. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted the health emergency, stating he falls ill from the pollution and acknowledging that vehicles contribute 40% of emissions. The environmental issue has direct economic consequences, as anti-pollution construction bans have left daily wage labourers in financial distress, with many alleging they have not received promised government relief. Further compounding the city's challenges, an investigation has exposed a fake PUC certificate scam. In a separate major development, the Delhi High Court suspended the life sentence of a convict in the Unnao gangrape case, a decision that has sparked a debate on the justice system and women's safety, drawing comments from activists and the mother of the Nirbhaya case victim.

In this special report, India Today’s Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor and correspondent Piyush Mishra discuss the central government's latest measures to combat the pollution crisis. Mishra reports that the Centre is establishing a central working committee to tackle air pollution, with a focus on introducing advanced Japanese technology aimed at reducing dust emissions by 90%. The report highlights that dust is a major component of pollution in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the government plans to introduce stricter policies to promote Electric Vehicles (EVs) to address vehicular pollution. Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is cited regarding the impact of emissions.

In a significant admission regarding Delhi's air crisis, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that he 'falls ill after staying in Delhi for just about two days' and acknowledged that vehicles contribute to 40% of the pollution. Meanwhile, in an exclusive interaction, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the severe pollution levels, clarifying his previous Rajya Sabha remarks about the Air Quality Index (AQI) not crossing 450. Yadav asserted that the Centre is working on a 'war footing' to combat the crisis, citing weather conditions and coordination through the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as key factors in the ongoing battle for cleaner air.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore welcomes Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s admission that he faces health issues due to Delhi’s pollution. Tagore highlights the contradiction between Gadkari’s statement and the government’s earlier denial of a link between air quality and lung diseases. He criticizes Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav for being in 'denial mode' while the transport minister accepts the crisis. Tagore mentions raising an adjournment motion in Parliament to discuss the issue. He rejects the 'Beijing model' as unsuitable for a democracy but urges a collaborative plan to protect future generations.

In a special broadcast on India Today, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sanjeev Jha targets the Central government over the pollution crisis in Delhi. The discussion follows a political row where AAP highlighted a contradiction between Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s admission of falling ill in Delhi and the Centre’s statement in Parliament denying a direct link between pollution and lung disease. Jha asserts, ‘It is not just about Delhi. It is about the whole of North India.’ He criticises the lack of coordination, stating that as long as the Central government does not act as a guardian, the issue cannot be resolved. The segment also features inputs from India Today’s Amit Bhardwaj on the unfolding political blame game.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has made a candid admission about the severity of air pollution in the national capital. Speaking at a book launch, Gadkari revealed that staying in Delhi for just two days causes him to develop a throat infection. He acknowledged that the transport sector, which he heads, contributes to '40 per cent' of the pollution. The Minister highlighted the economic burden of fossil fuels, stating that India spends Rs 22 lakh crore annually on imports. He advocated for a shift towards alternative fuels like electric and hydrogen vehicles to combat the crisis. The programme also discusses the political blame game as the capital continues to grapple with hazardous air quality.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raised safety concerns regarding the Chandigarh-Shimla highway during her speech in Lok Sabha and sought an appointment with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss highway issues in her Wayanad constituency as well.

This special report covers the passing of veteran actor Dharmendra at the age of 89. It highlights tributes from key figures including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari. The report reflects on his career of over 300 films, his popular image as the 'He-Man' of Indian cinema, and his versatile roles in films like 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', and 'Dharamveer'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, 'the passing of Dharamji marks the end of an era in Indian cinema'. The programme notes he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan and his recent on-screen appearances in 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' and as Shahid Kapoor's grandfather. His final film, 'Ikkis', is noted as being yet to be released.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra, who passed away on Monday, calling it the end of an era of Indian cinema.