New Delhi, Jan 7: In an indication of his confidence about getting a second term, BJP president Nitin Gadkari on Monday said the party will promise cleanliness of the Ganga river in its manifesto for the next general election.

He added that a BJP-led government will allocate substantial resources for the purpose. Speaking at a function to mark the completion of the first phase of Ganga Samgra Abhiyan led by party leader Uma Bharati, Gadkari said the BJP had decided to give top priority to cleaning of the Ganga.

He said the party will initially allocate Rs 10,000 crore for the cleanliness of the river.

Gadkari’s remarks about the future promises of the party are being seen as an indication of his confidence about getting a second term.

The BJP is in the process of completing its organisational elections in States and a notification for the presidential polls is expected in a few days. Gadkari is being seen as a frontrunner for another term for the post. Gadkari said that availability of water could turn into a big problem in the coming days.

The BJP chief said the issue of cleaning the Ganga should not be politicized as it was linked to cultural thinking of the country.

“It (the cleanliness campaign) has been run as a campaign taking everyone along. The BJP has given its support,” Gadkari said.

The BJP chief also referred to the plight of the Yamuna in Delhi and said he felt “shame” seeing its condition.

He said a BJP government in the capital will take steps for its cleanliness. (IANS)