Nitin Gadkari has shown how power can be used for development: Sharad Pawar

Gadkari and Pawar shared the dais in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar

"I am attending this function because I was told that Gadkari was going to inaugurate many projects in Ahmednagar which would solve long-pending issues of the city, and he wants me to be present," Pawar was quoted as saying in the media.

Pawar said often the projects are limited to the stone laying ceremonies, "but when it comes to (Mr) Gadkari's projects, within a few days of the function one sees the work starting."

"Gadkari is a great example of how a people's representative can work for the development of the country," Pawar added.

"I remember that before Gadkari took over this responsibility (of the ministry of road transport and highways), about 5,000 km of work had been done. But after he took over, the figure has crossed 12,000 km," the NCP chief said.

Gadkari said during the road projects in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) also de-silted local rivers and streams.

"I suggest (Maharashtra Rural Development Minister) Hasan Mushrif to think of focusing on water conservation in Ahmednagar district," he said.

NCP leader, who is also the guardian minister of this arid district, was present at the function.

De-silting rivers and ponds helps increase the groundwater level, Gadkari said.