Patna,(BiharTimes): The compulsion of age might have forced prime minister Narendra Modi to prefer less experienced MPs from Bihar over more talented ones in his latest cabinet expansion. Former ministers like Dr C P Thakur, Shatrughan Sinha and Hukum Deo Narayan were overlooked in the name of preference for fresh blood though none of these seasoned politician are controversial figures.

Though the cabinet expansion has much to do with the next year’s Assembly election in Bihar, political observers are of the view that the new faces has not inspire much confidence in the BJP rank and file. True Ram Kripal Yadav is toung Yadav leader and his induction into the cabinet has been done to weaken the hold of Lalu Prasad and project him alternative leader of the caste. Ram Kropal had defeated RJD chief’s daughter Misa Bharati in Patliputra parliamentary constituency.

Even the most ardent Bhumihar supporters of the BJP are of the view that Giriraj is no match to Dr Thakur, who is a renowned physician, a Padma Shri and had a prolong experience both in politics as well as ministry. He was first water resources and then health minister in the Vajpayee cabinet.
“To say that he is above 80 and should not be inducted is not fair when he is in better health condition,” said a political observer.

Even Bhola Singh, who is in the mid-70s, has much longer experience of Parliament than the first time MP, Giriraj Singh. “Just loyalty to Narendra Modi and age should not be the criteria to take anyone in the cabinet. Giriraj certainly lacks the credibility and is known for loose talks,” he said adding that his remarks like those opposing Narendra Modi should be pushed to Pakistan is still fresh in the mind of the people.

Some other partymen, especially those loyal to arch-rival Sushil Kumar Modi camp, were taken by surprise as Giriraj was neck deep in trouble after the recovery of Rs 1.14 crore, 600 US dollar and ornaments from thieves who committed burglary in his house in July last. In the FIR lodged before the recovery of amount Giriraj had mentioned much less amount that was burgled from his house. “How can the BJP talk of being on high moral ground,” said a political scientist.

Analyst Soroor Ahmed is of the view that health and talent and not the age should be the criteria. “Mahatma Gandhi, JP, Nelson Mandela, Ayatollah Khomieni, Anna Hazare etc all brought about big change in their respective countries when they were above 75 while Morarji Desai became PM at the age of 81. Gandhiji was fit for some more years had he not been assassinated,” he said adding that most of the prime ministers of Israel were well above 70. “This is simply because they had joined politics after their retirement from Israeli Defence Force.”

“If age should be the criteria for minister than retired bureaucrats and judges should not be made ambassadors or chairpersons of important commissions. Many of them are older than 75. Justice Sachar was 82 when he was asked to head what is now famously called Sachar Committee report,” Soroor Ahmed, concluded.

But Prof Ajay Jha of A N Sinha Institute feels that Modi has his compulsion as he had made age the criteria because he wanted to get rid of much more seasoned politicians like Lal Krishna Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi etc.