'Old generation should step aside...': Gadkari calls for leadership change
19 Jan 2026

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for a generational shift in leadership, saying the older generation should step back once systems are running smoothly.

He made these remarks at a press conference in Nagpur ahead of the Advantage Vidarbha-Khasdar Audhyogik Mahotsav, news agency PTI reported.

The event is organized by Ashish Kale, president of the Association for Industrial Development (AID), and conceptualized by Gadkari himself.

Gadkari emphasizes youth involvement in industrial expo
Youth engagement

Gadkari praised Kale for bringing young people into the initiative, stressing the need for leadership renewal over time.

"Now we should be gradually made to retire, and the responsibility be given to the new generation, and when the vehicle starts running smoothly, then we should withdraw and do some other work," Gadkari was quoted as saying.

Gadkari's vision for Vidarbha as an industrial hub
Industrial growth

Gadkari, who is the chief mentor of AID, said this year marks the third edition of the Advantage Vidarbha expo. The event will be held in Nagpur from February 6 to 8.

He said Vidarbha has strong entrepreneurial talent across multiple sectors and aims to establish it as a growing industrial hub on India's industrial map.

Expo to feature diverse industries
Sector representation

The Union Minister stressed that balanced growth depends on the development of industry, agriculture, and allied activities, along with the service sector.

The Advantage Vidarbha expo will see participation from a wide range of sectors, including textiles, plastics, minerals, coal, aviation, logistics, and information technology.

Other industries represented at the event include healthcare and pharmaceuticals, defense and real estate, as well as renewable energy and startups.