Pranab says he is like an antique piece in Indian politics

Kolkata, Jan 15 (PTI) Setting aside his serious self,Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today likened himselfto an "antique" among the country''s politicians, saying he wassticking to the political wicket for the last five decades.

"I am one of the oldest politicians alive, almost anantique in the political arena and who has been sticking tothe wicket for the last five decades occasionally expressing adesire to retire, but still somehow sticking to the wicket,"the 75-year-old Congress veteran said.

Mukherjee was participating in a panel discussion at theIndian Statistical Institute on ''Expectations from the FutureLeaders''.

BJP leader Arun Shourie, who was among the panelists,showered praise on Mukherjee, saying, "He is one of the bestprime ministers we are yet to have."

Shourie described him as a man of trust and keystone ofIndian governance.

Mukherjee said young Indians of today have demonstratedtremendous confidence in themselves in addressing seriousissues like inflation and uncertainty of revival of the worldeconomy.

"Young Indians are not carrying any baggage and are notafraid of facing the challenges," he told the students. PTIBSM PB MD