Gadkari’s ‘Not an Inch for Navy Housing’ Remark Draws Flak

Randeep Surjewala said the “pseudo-nationalist” BJP now wants to give “certificates of loyalty” to the armed forces.

The Congress, on Thursday, 11 January, accused Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of insulting the Indian Navy. Earlier in the day, Gadkari had said "not an inch" of land would be given to the force for building houses in upscale south Mumbai.

#WATCH: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says, 'Navy is needed at the borders, from where terrorists come, why does everyone (in Navy) want to live in South Mumbai? They came to me asking for a plot, I said I will not give even an inch of land.' pic.twitter.com/45gQDlbcBP

— ANI (@ANI) January 11, 2018

Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the "pseudo-nationalist" BJP now wanted to give "certificates of loyalty" to the armed forces.

Shameful & Unacceptable!

Ex BJP President & Union Minister, Nitin Gadkari insults ‘Indian Navy’, questions their valour and dedication.

Pseudo-Nationalist BJP now wants to issue certificates of ‘loyalty’ to India’s armed forces. https://t.co/Rm9B4WAdPR

— Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) January 11, 2018

Others also took to Twitter to express their anger over the minister’s statement.

Gadkari's approach to problem solving is legendary. His favourite line to bureaucrats is: "You either convince me or get convinced but don't 'sit' on files. If you have objections put it on file. As minister I have the right to overrule you." The correct approach in democracy.

— Nitin A. Gokhale (@nitingokhale) January 12, 2018

Men in uniform are good as long as they salute or return in a coffin draped in tricolour. How dare they speak on areas of their professional expertise, right Mr Minister?https://t.co/AiMOvPNYFY

— Jugal R Purohit (@jrpur) January 11, 2018

Why is Nitin Gadkari dissing the Navy who protect our borders! Because they objected to a floating hotel in the sea. Read about how skin deep the love for the armed forces is. https://t.co/5SC4TEvDl1

— Sidharth Bhatia (@bombaywallah) January 11, 2018

@Nitin_gadkari Sir, never thought you could be so arrogant. You could have communicated your concerns to Navy in private but you insulted them in public. For what? Land in Mumbai? You could simply refused & written NO on the file. Shocked. @indiannavy https://t.co/GJlLI9tloh

— Major Gaurav Arya (@majorgauravarya) January 11, 2018

Although real sad to see @nitin_gadkari 's statement against #IndianNavy and its officers!! His comments are highly objectionable and uncalled for.

— Gurudas Kamat (@KamatGurudas) January 11, 2018

Not an Inch of Land for Navy: Gadkari

At a public even in Mumbai on Thursday, Gadkari had said:

Actually, Navy is needed at the borders from where terrorists sneak in. Why does everyone (in the Navy) want to stay in South Mumbai? They (Navy) had come to me, asking for a plot (of land). I will not give even an inch of land. Please don’t come to me again.

The Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Water Resources made the remark while voicing his disappointment at the Navy's objection to a floating jetty plan at Malabar Hill in south Mumbai, where a floating hotel and seaplane service are planned.

A few important and senior officials can stay in Mumbai, Gadkari said, adding that land on the eastern seafront being jointly developed by the state-run Mumbai Port Trust and the Maharashtra government would be utilised only for the benefit of local citizens.

(With inputs from PTI.)

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