Age in Politics Mr Manohar Parikar observations on age, at the BJP conclave at Goa created no ripples forget about waves and rightly so , as the politicians prefer to die with boots on, His contentions that politicians should evaluate themselves after 65 years found absolute no takers. His loud thinking was was just ignored, It did set the cat amongst the pigeons under circumstances. He himself has pronounced that he will not be forced to seek a second term . Such remarks by politicians have to be taken with a pinch of salt. The politicians are known to make somersaults quite often to suit the exigencies. His reasons have not been enunciated either. Is he intending to move to the centre having completed his innings in the state ?Earlier he had refused to move to the centre , where his talents would find fruition, instead of being just a frog in the pond . Was he indirectly positioning himself for a central role in BJP? What was he hinting at? Was he favouring Modi against the aging Patriarch at 83? Both Modi and Dr Wilfred Misquita are likely to cross the age barrier in the immediate future. Will his suggestion be implemented in Goa at the next elections? There will be an earthquake of sorts among his own party men for giving vent to his theory without support and blessings of the National cadres and which is most unlikely. Nevertheless his loud thinking , bold and daring remark has strike a chord among the people and he deserves admiration and appreciation
The past P.M like Narashima Rao, Moraji Dessai, Atal Bihari Vajpayye , Manmohan Singh and even some Presidents are in the bracket of octogenarian septuagenarian. The high posts in other countries are also held by such ageing species, but to day many are young too The job of P.M and Ministers is always 16 hours a day and seven days a week. It is rigorous and demanding responsibility, Only Rajeev Gandhi was a dashing young men holding the coveted post of P.M virtually thrust on him because of hierarchy .He was never accused of being young and brash. He conducted himself admirably in the interaction with world luminaries in politics like a statesman. His vision on IT has put India in a commanding position to day. Hence as the torch bearer he has laid a path. India to day comprises of 50% of citizens below the age of 25 years. The constitution of India does not permit for representations both in Parliament and Legislatures below the age of 25 years. The age of voting has been reduced to 18 years and so is the marriageable age.Hence a serious thought must be given to it also, . They are willing to shoulder the responsibility given the opportunity. Many in politics like Jyotirao Scindia, MilindDeora Rahul Gandhi, Varun Gandhi , Akilesh Yadav,Supriya sule,Navin Patnaik, Sachin Pilot Agatha Sangma,among others have taken over the reins of responsibility. But unfortunately they are the scions, RISING sons, daughters of politicians only, They are not sourced from open market. The youth to day are busy shaping their career and are not very enthusiastic about voting and politics, because of the uphill task of financial factors in standing and winning elections. It may not be possible and desirable to replace the ageing politicians en mass, but a balance of the both is the right formulae The elders with their experience can serve as guides in administrative fields. They should willingly make way for the young and the generation next It must be said with pride that had it not been for the insistence of Rahul Gandhi many of youth occupying posit on of power would not have been possible, He might have failed in youth not securing winning positions, but he deserves kudos for this insight of getting young in the political arena for the very first time If the Govt servants must retire at 58/60 because of diminishing returns of their mental faculties, then the politicians with demanding and onerous responsibilities must set the precedents themselves. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
