India, Oct. 1 -- Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday broke his silence over allegations of financial impropriety. He said he was being "targeted by vested interests" and accused of wrongdoing as part of a "deliberate smear campaign".

Addressing a gathering while inaugurating a flyover near Kamptee, a satellite town of Nagpur, Gadkari said the campaign was being driven by vested business lobbies that had suffered losses due to the Union government's ethanol blending policy. "Some people lost business because of ethanol, so obviously they are angry with me. Out of this anger, they started a paid news campaign. But, don't worry, I have your love with me. I never struck deals with contractors, hence I fear no one. I have done no...