‘No retirement age in politics,’ says Sumitra Mahajan | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

‘No retirement age in politics,’ says Sumitra Mahajan

Indore | ByPress Trust of India
Apr 10, 2019 10:01 PM IST

Mahajan announced on April 5 that she would not contest the Lok Sabha elections. In a letter to BJP chief Amit Shah, she wrote that she has freed the party to make its choice for Indore seat.

Indore MP and outgoing Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan Wednesday said politics cannot have a fixed retirement age like government jobs, days after she opted out of the poll fray amidst speculations that the Bharatiya Janata Party was not keen to field leaders above 75 years of age.

“Politics cannot be compared with government jobs. Retirement age in government service is pre-determined. However, this cannot be done in politics because politicians are directly involved with happiness and sorrows of the common people and work for them beyond deadlines,” Mahajan said.(PTI)
“Politics cannot be compared with government jobs. Retirement age in government service is pre-determined. However, this cannot be done in politics because politicians are directly involved with happiness and sorrows of the common people and work for them beyond deadlines,” Mahajan said.(PTI)

Mahajan announced on April 5 that she would not contest the Lok Sabha elections. In a letter to BJP chief Amit Shah, she wrote that she has freed the party to make its choice for Indore seat.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Mahajan turns 76 Friday.

“Politics cannot be compared with government jobs. Retirement age in government service is pre-determined. However, this cannot be done in politics because politicians are directly involved with happiness and sorrows of the common people and work for them beyond deadlines,” Mahajan said.

The MP recalled that Morarji Desai had become Prime Minister of the country when he was 81.

In an interview to The Week magazine recently, Shah had stated that it was his party’s decision not to give Lok Sabha poll tickets to those above 75 years of age, leading to veteran leaders like L K Advani and Murali Manohar Joshi missing out.

When asked about Shah’s statement, Mahajan said as she was occupied with the responsibilities of the post of Lok Sabha Speaker, she could not attend the meetings held by BJP’s central organisation in the last five years, and thus is not aware of any such age bar policy.

“I don’t have any authentic information about the party meeting in which the policy regarding not giving tickets to party leaders who crossed 75 was decided,” she said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On