Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has once again sparked a political discussion with his characteristically straightforward remarks. While addressing an event in Nagpur, Gadkari commented that in the realm of politics, the leader who can most effectively deceive or mislead people often ends up being regarded as the most successful. He phrased it in Hindi as, “Jo logon ko sabse acchha moorkh bana sakta hai, wahi sabse acchha neta ho sakta hai” — which translates to “The one who can fool people the best is the best leader.” His statement quickly caught public attention and stirred debate on the nature of leadership and political success in India.
Gadkari further elaborated on his observation by pointing out that while speaking persuasively is easy, taking genuine action is far more challenging. He reflected on his own experiences, noting that in his line of work, speaking the truth openly and without hesitation is often discouraged. To underline his point, he invoked a Marathi saying — “Haose, navse, gavse” — which conveys that every individual operates with their own motives, methods, and strategies. According to him, the political leader who manages to convince the public, even if through deception, often emerges victorious.
However, Gadkari did not leave his comments without balance. He emphasized that despite the widespread manipulation and shortcuts seen in society, truth ultimately prevails. Quoting from the Bhagavad Gita, he reminded the audience that Lord Krishna had written that truth is always the final winner. At the same time, he warned against shortcuts in life and politics, giving everyday examples such as breaking rules, jumping signals, or bypassing processes. Citing a philosopher’s words, he added, “Shortcuts cut you short,” meaning that quick gains achieved through dishonest means do not last long.
Bringing the discussion back to his own philosophy, Gadkari reiterated that honesty, integrity, credibility, dedication, and truth are the values that form the foundation of a strong society. He stressed that while deception may grant temporary victories in politics, values rooted in truth and credibility ultimately hold greater and lasting importance. Through his remarks, Gadkari sought to highlight the tension between political strategy and moral principles, while reaffirming his belief that genuine values must guide society in the long run.
