Natwar spends b'day in solitude

New Delhi: Former foreign minister and the man in the middle of the Volcker storm, Natwar Singh, spent his 75th birthday in solitude on Tuesday.

A reflective Singh resorted to poetry on his birthday saying, "Hum aahan bhi karte hai to hote hain badnaam, woh katal bhi karte hai to charcha nahi hoti (Even if we sigh, there is a controversy, but people commit murders and there is silence)."

With only a handful of supporters from Bharatpur coming to greet him, Singh was coming to terms with the loneliness of a politician who has not only lost his ministry, but has been isolated by his own party, Congress.

A man of letters, Singh sought refuge in history quoting freedom fighters and leading statesmen.

Singh says he's determined to clear his name, which has been tainted by the oil for food controversy. But, even in his moment of virtual political exile, there was a sting in the tail of the former diplomat-turned-politician.

"There are too many old people holding important posts in the Congress. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is 74, I am 75, Arjun Singhji is older than I am while Pranab Mukherjee and Shivraji are in their early 70's. We certainly need younger people," Singh explained.

It's unlikely that the former external affairs minister's colleagues in the Government will pay heed to the message. However, for now, the former raja of Bharatpur can take comfort that at least someone is listening even if it's only his old family retainers.

It might be a case of sour grapes but on his 75th birthday, but for Singh who has lost his portfolio and his place in the party, the message to his colleagues is that its time to make way for younger blood.

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