Kalraj Mishra ‘unaware’ of 75-year retirement norm

Gandhinagar, Aug 19 (IANS) Union Minister Kalraj Mishra on Friday claimed that he was not aware of the rule in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for leaders attaining 75 years of age to resign from their posts.

Asked about his continuation even after completing 75 years, Mishra said: "All this was a media creation."

He said this question should be asked to BJP president Amit Shah, who is also on a visit to Gujarat.

Mishra, a veteran leader from Uttar Pradesh, said he did not know of the 75-year norm nor did Amit Shah. Mishra is 75, born on July 1, 1941.

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel quit last month citing her age in keeping with the unwritten norm for this, though she attained that age in November.

Earlier, two ministers in Madhya Pradesh stepped down as they had crossed 75 year age.

The septuagenarians were Public Works Department Minister Sartaj Singh, 76, and Home Minister Babulal Gaur, 86.

Najma Heptulla, 76, had also resigned from the cabinet but was appointed Manipur Governor.

Mishra was here to participate in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Western Region Conclave with Minister of State Haribhai Chaudhary and Chief Minister Vijaybhai Rupani. The Uttar Pradesh veteran holds the same portfolio at the centre.

Sources claimed Mishra was once considered as the party's face in the upcoming assembly elections. This was probably why he was allowed to continue in office.