Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar mulls retirement from politics

Panaji, Nov 30: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday hinted at retiring from politics, while also admitting to a crisis of credible leadership in a small state like Goa.

Speaking at a function organised by the Lokmmanya Multipurpose Co-Operative Credit Society, in Mapusa town about 10 km north of Panaji, Parrikar, a former Goa chief minister, also said that his attention would always linger on Goa and that if the state government veers onto the wrong path, he would endeavour to bring it back on track.

"After 60 (years), one has to think about retirement. I turn 60 on December 13, therefore, I had started thinking about retirement two-three years back. I have to intensify that, therefore, I don`t feel inclined to take up big responsibilities," said Parrikar, one of the state`s tallest politicians.

After serving as chief minister since 2012, Parrikar was inducted into the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government in late 2014.

"Finally, there is a question mark over the possibility of finding people with leadership qualities in a small state. But one thing I will say, my attention will be on Goa. And if the government in Goa goes on a wrong path, then I will bring it back on track. I can give this guarantee to Goans," he asserted.

PTI