From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 30: A day after union defence minister Manohar Parrikar showed inclination to retire after 60, his party has said he should wait for ten more years as 'he is too young to ask for retirement'.

"I feel he should be there for at least ten more years. He should wait till 70. We need him for the country and the party," Goa BJP chief Vinay Tendulkar reacted talking to daijiworld on Monday.

The union defence minister speaking at a function in Goa on Sunday said, "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 do not feel inclined to take up big responsibilities."

Tendulkar said Parrikar has expressed similar views in the past too but the party had convinced him to rethink it. “We told him earlier too and also last time we had requested him not to take such a decision. The party wants him,” he said.

BJP Goa spokesman Dr Wilfred Mesquita said, “Parrikar is too young to retire. In this country it is too early to retire at 60. Even government servants and judges or university teachers do not want to retire at 60. Why should Parrikar retire at this age?” he asked.

Mesquita said the party will impress upon Parrikar to rethink his decision.

BJP came to power in 2012 Goa legislative Assembly election after projecting Parrikar as chief ministerial candidate. The leader was later elevated to the post of Union Defence Minister in Narendra Modi Cabinet post 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Parrikar clarifies

Manohar Parrikar on Monday November 30 took to Twitter to clarify that he had not spoken of his retirement during a function in Goa.

“My correct statement - At the age of 60, normally people think of retirement and perhaps I would have also," Parrikar tweeted on his official handler.

"But I had to take bigger responsibilities at Centre and I assure you that I will come back only after finishing the task I am given," he tweeted further.

The media reports quoting national news agency had said that Parrikar had hinted of his retirement after he celebrates his 60th birthday on December 13, this year.