Union minister and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari.

NEW DELHI: There is no “220 club” in BJP which hopes a reduced tally for the party in the Lok Sabha elections could see the emergence of an alternative to PM Narendra Modi and this was mere speculation in media circles, minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said.

In an exclusive interaction with TOI, the minister, whose name has often been subject of speculation as an “acceptable” face in BJP in the event the party falls short, ruled out any such discussion, asserting that the party would return to office with a full majority on the basis of Modi’s leadership.

Read full interview here: Voters must choose between development and politics of fear

“There is no such thing. Those who want to write will write,” Gadkari said responding to a question that he was often mentioned as a leader who could work with allies and was also close to the RSS. “I don’t do such calculations or have any such expectations. I am a worker of the party. I am sure that the work done under PM Narendra Modi will result in a full majority. So no such situation is going to happen,” he said.

Gadkari said it was unfortunate that the air strikes and Ram mandir were being politicised, saying demands for proof of the attack on terror camps in Pakistan were uncalled for. “People are laughing at them (opposition). Do you seek proof of what our forces have done and their intentions?” he asked.

He said the language used by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi in attacking Modi was deplorable and indicated a new low for politics. “People should respect the PM’s post. Using derogatory remarks is very bad. It’s unfortunate to see what Congress is doing,” he added.

The minister said the Modi government’s development record would enthuse voters to support BJP and give it a second consecutive term. He said there were changes on the ground which impacted people positively and had generated goodwill. The government’s record could be compared with its predecessor and would speak for itself, he added.

Gadkari said the options before the government as regards the Ram temple in Ayodhya were limited. It was either negotiations, a court verdict or legislation. As things stood, a court-mandated process of negotiations was under way and it was hoped that Muslims would agree to a resolution, he said. A mosque could be built outside the Panchkosi Parikrama, he added.

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In Video: No '220 club' in BJP hoping to replace PM Narendra Modi: Nitin Gadkari