Nagpur: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari hit out at his detractors on Sunday by saying that his brain is worth Rs 200 crore per month and he does not need to resort to fraud.
Fingers started being pointed at him ever since the Centre pushed E20 – petrol blended with 20% ethanol. Gadkari’s critics claimed that the move benefitted him personally.
“My brain is worth 200 crore per month. I know how to earn honestly,” Gadkari said at an event in Nagpur, adding that he has no shortage of money.
The government has been promoting ethanol as a cleaner and cheaper alternative fuel, but concerns have been raised over its impact on food and water security, vehicle safety, and consumer choice. Critics have also claimed that two leading ethanol companies are run by Gadkari’s sons.
The minister did not directly mention his critics but explained how he guides his sons in legitimate business ventures. “I give ideas to my sons, but I do not resort to fraud.”
“Recently, my son imported 800 containers of apples from Iran and exported 1,000 containers of bananas from India to Iran. There are no monetary dealings with Iran. My son is engaged in import and export. I also own a sugar factory, a distillery, and a power plant. I am not experimenting with agriculture for personal gain,” Gadkari said.
Highlighting his efforts to encourage local entrepreneurship, the minister said how he advised vegetable vendors to establish fruit malls across Nagpur. According to him, such initiatives empower traders and farmers by enabling direct sales at prime city locations.
“Let me tell you in advance, I am not doing all this for my own earnings, otherwise you may think something else. My income is ample. My brain is worth 200 crore per month. I have no shortage of money,” Gadkari reiterated, emphasising that his business suggestions are driven by development, not profit.
He had recently dismissed the criticism over the E20 petrol, saying that a “paid” and “politically motivated” social media campaign has been launched to target him. He asserted that the fuel is safe. The government maintains that E20 is an import substitute, is cost-effective, and reduces pollution, while also benefiting farmers by creating a demand for crops like maize and sugarcane.
