Chidambaram wants to step down from electoral politics

Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram has expressed his desire to step down from electoral politics, saying how long can he go on at the age of 68.

"I have contested in eight elections, and been a minister for 17 years. I was not given ordinary portfolio like Textile Ministry. Had such a ministry been given, I would have served peacefully. But I was given Home and Finance in which I had to work eighteen hours per day," he said, addressing a Backward Class People's conference at Tirumayyam near here late last night.

He said he would step down from electoral politics and choose to serve the people following the path of Mahatma Gandhi.

Claiming that he was a man of integrity, Chidambaram said he had not taken to usury nor resorted to Kattapanchayat (Kangaroo's court)(as a lawyer). I have not taken a single paise from anybody."

"I am 68 now. How long can I travel at this age.Those who are born should return to the earth. I don't believe in rebirth," the Minister said, sounding philosophical.

Chidambaram has chosen not to contest the Lok Sabha polls and Congress has nominated his son Karti from his constituency of Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu.