"Sincerely Wish That Congress Becomes Stronger": Minister Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari said a weakened Congress meant regional parties taking up the opposition space, which was "not a good sign".

A strong Congress party is necessary for democracy, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said at a recent event, commenting that it was his "sincere wish" that the Congress, battered by serial election losses, became stronger and that its leaders did not switch sides in despair.

Nitin Gadkari also said a weakened Congress meant regional parties taking up the opposition space, which was "not a good sign".

"Democracy runs on two wheels - the ruling dispensation and the Opposition. A strong Opposition is a need for democracy. Hence it is my sincere wish that the Congress party should become stronger. Also, with the Congress weakened, its place is being taken by regional parties which is not good for democracy. So the opposition should be strong," the Union Minister for Road Transport said during a Q and A session at the Lokmat journalism awards on Saturday.

"Jawaharlal Nehru is an example. When Atal Bihari Vajpayee lost the Lok Sabha election, Jawaharlal Nehru still gave him respect. So, in a democracy, the opposition's role is very important," he stressed, according to The Indian Express.