Is Nitin Gadkari Going To Retire From Politics? Transport Minister’s Office Clarifies on Viral Remark

Is Nitin Gadkari going to retire from politics? The question surfaced after a remark by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari about his inability to work as much as he did earlier and his call for the younger generation to take on greater responsibility. Gadkari’s office, however, clarified on Tuesday, August 25, that the comments had nothing to do with politics and were specifically made in the context of the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust.

The clarification came after the minister’s remarks, made at an event in Nagpur on Sunday, were interpreted by some as a possible indication of his political retirement, News18 reported. Gadkari’s office said the comments were related to the functioning and future leadership of the Trust, an organisation established by him that runs Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal areas. Mumbai to Bengaluru in 5 Hours? Nitin Gadkari Outlines Ambitious Highway Plans (Watch Video).

Nitin Gadkari Office Clarifies Retirement Rumors

Nitin Gadkari’s statement had nothing to do with politics. He was speaking specifically about the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, an organisation established by him that runs Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal areas. In that context, Gadkari said that he could no longer take on as much work as… pic.twitter.com/SFpv12CyWq

— IANS (@ians_india) August 25, 2026

Nitin Gadkari Remarks Taken Out Of Context, Says Office

"Nitin Gadkariji's statement had nothing to do with politics. He was speaking specifically about the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust, an organisation established by him that runs Ekal Vidyalayas in tribal areas. In that context, Gadkari said that he could no longer take on as much work as before and that the younger generation should be given an opportunity to take greater responsibility," the statement from the minister's office said.

"His remarks were clearly related to the functioning and future leadership of the Trust. However, some television channels are presenting the statement as a political remark, taking it out of its actual context," the statement underlined. Gadkari had spoken about his long stint in public life and the need to give younger people an opportunity to work. Bombay High Court Orders Meta and Google To Take Down Deepfakes Targeting Nitin Gadkari Over E20 Ethanol Row.

“I am not an inspiration to anyone. These days, I cannot work the way I used to. I now tell everyone that we should give responsibility to the new generation. New people will come forward, and the older generation will guide them. That is how the work will move forward and grow. I want this work to reach such a level that no tribal village in Maharashtra remains without light."

What Nitin Gadkari Said At Nagpur Event

The remarks were made at an Eklavya Ekal Vidyalaya Teacher-Supervisor Training Class at Katol in Nagpur district. Speaking at the event, the 69-year-old minister said he had been in active public life for more than three decades. He said he had experienced several ups and downs, handled different responsibilities and received various honours during that period.

Gadkari also said that he could no longer work as hard as he did earlier and argued that the younger generation should be given an opportunity to take responsibility, while the older generation continued to guide them.

His remarks, in Marathi, roughly translated to mean, “I have been continuously working in public life for the last 30 years. I have seen many ups and downs and received many awards. But I can’t work much now. The new generation should be given a chance to work."

Gadkari Talks About Health And Lifestyle

Gadkari also spoke about changes he has made to his lifestyle, particularly after the COVID-19 period. He recalled that during his early political years, he would work under difficult circumstances, eat whatever was available while travelling and devote himself to organisational work regardless of the time.

The minister said he has since brought greater discipline to his routine and now practises yoga regularly. He stressed that health is more important than position, power or prestige in public life. He asked, "what is the use of power and position if health is not good?"

No Formal Retirement Announcement

The clarification came amid speculation over a possible Union Cabinet expansion and changes in ministerial portfolios, which added to the political interpretation of Gadkari’s comments.

However, his office has made clear that the remarks were specifically connected to the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust and its work in tribal areas. There has been no formal announcement from Gadkari indicating that he plans to retire from politics.

Gadkari remains a senior minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Cabinet and has been closely associated with the government’s road and expressway infrastructure programme.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2026 06:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).