Pune, March 6 -- Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday took a swipe at the "petroleum lobby" while addressing a green energy-related programme in Pune, asserting that no one can influence him and warning of strict action against those not working transparently.

Speaking at the inauguration of an event organised by the Indian Federation of Green Energy, Gadkari said strong lobbies often try to obstruct the growth of alternative energy but stressed that such pressure would not deter efforts to promote green energy.

"I am sitting here with a stick in my hand; no one has been born who can manage me. Do good work, otherwise action will be taken," Gadkari said in his characteristic style, drawing laughter and ...