BJP does not pursue Ram as its political agenda

"Ram is neither the issue of politics nor the agenda of BJP, this is the symbol of our cultural history. BJP does not want to politicise the issue," Gadkari said at a press conference here.

"As far as the Ram temple is concerned, I would say all communities should come forward to build a magnificent temple of Lord Rama because it is associated with cultural and historical background," he said.

To a question, Gadkari said, "The relations between the BJP and RSS are quite good and there are no differences between the two at any level."

Highlighting the progress in the BJP-ruled states, Gadkari claimed that all such states are prospering well under the party`s rule.

"GDP, growth rate and per capita income in all the BJP- ruled states are progressive as compared to Congress-ruled states. We are satisfied and happy that such states are performing well, because the party insists on good governance and transparency," he said.

He highlighted the public distribution system (pds) in Chhattisgarh, agricultural growth in Karnataka, and several other works done by Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat governments.

Gadkari expressed confidence in former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje and said the party would contest the next assembly polls under the leadership of Raje and the party`s state president Arun Chaturvedi.

"Raje has done a good job during her tenure as the chief minister of Rajasthan. I observed that she has got good support and people still remember works done during her rule.

Now, the party would contest next elections under the leadership of both Raje and (BJP state chief) Chaturvedi," he said.