New Delhi, Sept. 6: The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, on Monday asserted he is not thinking of early retirement. This is the second time he has spoken on this issue to end frequent conjecture about him demitting office, the first time at his press conference a couple of months ago.
Dr Singh also set off speculation about the AICC general secretary, Mr Rahul Gandhi, joining the Cabinet when he indicated —for the first time in UPA-II — that he would reshuffle his Cabinet before the Winter Session of Parliament staring in November. He also said he wanted to reduce the average age of his Cabinet. “This is significant,” said Congress insiders.
At the same time Dr Singh rejected suggestions of a “disconnect” between his government and the Congress and made it clear he would not ask every Cabinet colleague to shut up.