Mallikarjun Kharge Says Politics Knows No Retirement Age

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated on Monday that there is no retirement in politics, urging politicians to serve the people and the country until their last breath. He made these remarks at the launch of senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde's memoir, "Five Decades in Politics," co-authored with journalist Rasheed Kidwai, in the capital.

Kharge emphasised that Shinde, at 83, should not consider himself retired as he still has a significant role in strengthening the Congress party and spreading its ideology. "You are 82-83 only... Look at Morarji Desai. I believe no one should retire in politics. Those who have faith in their ideology, want to serve the nation, want to serve their community, then you have to work till your last breath and awaken the people of your country," Kharge said.

Political Contributions and Leadership

Shinde has held several high-ranking positions, including Maharashtra Chief Minister from 2003 to 2004, Union Home Minister from 2012-2014, Governor of Andhra Pradesh from 2004-2006, All India Congress Committee General Secretary, and UPA's vice-presidential candidate. Kharge praised Shinde for his positive demeanour and quiet dedication to his work.

Kharge highlighted Shinde's patience and ever-present smile as rare qualities in today's political landscape. He contrasted this with some leaders who are all talk and no action, indirectly referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "He [Shinde] had amazing patience. I, frankly speaking, get angry very easily and can't stop myself when I see injustice happening anywhere. But not him; Shinde ji is ever smiling," Kharge added.

Legacy and Mentorship

Shinde expressed gratitude towards the Congress party and especially the late former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for their mentorship. "I have no words to thank Sonia Gandhi for what all she did for me. Because to take the decision of appointing a scheduled caste as the chief minister in Maharashtra was not an easy thing to do, and only someone like Sonia ji can do that... There is just so much that the party did for me," he noted.

The book launch event was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh. The memoir is priced at Rs 599 and published by HarperCollins India.

Kharge clarified that political service should not be motivated by seeking ministry or other plush positions but as a return gift to the people and the political party that nurtured them. "Whatever one has learnt in his life or whatever one has achieved, eventually you have to return it to the people," he said.

Morarji Desai became India's oldest prime minister at 81 in 1977. Kharge cited this example to illustrate that age should not be a barrier in politics. He encouraged Shinde to continue working for the party where he achieved so much during his five-decade-long career.

Kharge concluded by hoping that Shinde's memoir would inspire others. He reiterated that politicians should remain active and dedicated throughout their lives, contributing to society without seeking personal gain.