Gen next to take charge of Congress after polls: Jairam Ramesh

HYDERABAD: Irrespective of whether it wins or loses, the Congress would witness a generational change after the Lok Sabha elections, Union minister Jairam Ramesh told PTI in an exclusive interview on Monday.

"We have to nurture youth. We have to get youngsters in and I think whatever the result of 2014, the face of the Congress is bound to change," Jairam said. Noting that the Congress has fielded several candidates in their 30s and 40s, he said, "It's time for the Congress to renew itself."

"In Rahul Gandhi, we have a young leader, and this is an opportunity for all senior leaders to say: okay... we will continue with Congress party but space must be given to youngsters," the Rajya Sabha member said. Asked if he expects generational change in the Congress after the elections, he said: "100 per cent."

Speaking on the personal front, Jairam said he crossed the age of 60 two weeks back and now wants to travel to countries around India, write more and mentor a generation of youngsters.

"When you cross 60, I think it's important that you become aware of your own mortality. And you are now entering the final phase of your life. And I would like to do my things. I would like to travel more. My greatest regret is I have not travelled in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran. These are the places I would like to go and visit," he said, adding he also wants to again visit Bangladesh, where he has not travelled extensively.