Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar clarifies retirement rumours, says will finish task at Centre

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, on Monday, said he has no plans of retiring soon and that he will go back to Goa only after finishing the task given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

His comment came following media reports which quoted him as saying that he is planning to retire as he will turn 60 on December 13.

"My statement has been misinterpreted and twisted. I did not make any such statement on retirement," he said.

Parrikar, who has served as Goa Chief Minister thrice, tweeted, "At the age of 60, normally people think of retirement and perhaps I would have also. But I had to take bigger responsibilities at Centre & I assure you that I will come back only after finishing the task I am given".

My correct statement - At the age of 60, normally people think of retirement and perhaps I would have also. 1/2

— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) November 30, 2015

But I had to take bigger responsibilities at Centre & I assure you that I will come back only after finishing the task I am given. 2/2

— Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) November 30, 2015

The BJP leader, who completed one year as Defence Minister on November, has an enormous task before him - to carry forward the modernisation programme of the armed forces and to streamline the procurement process in a fast and transparent manner.