Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has hinted at retirement, saying he was unlikely to join a new cabinet, and said Rahul Gandhi could become prime minister.
Mukherjee, a heavyweight in government decision-making, spoke of retirement at a time when the country is trying to balance policies toward double-digit growth, stubbornly high inflation and removing poverty.
"My goodness! What would be my age? I am already 75. There is a limit beyond which you cannot go," Mukherjee told India Today magazine when asked if he would join a Rahul Gandhi cabinet.
"How long do you expect me to stay? Rather, I have overstayed my wicket."
Mukherjee, a political stalwart who first entered parliament four decades ago and has been a member of almost every Congress party ministry since 1973, said Rahul Gandhi was a "popular leader" and had strong potential to become prime minister.
"The crowds he gets are amazing," he said about Rahul Gandhi, the heir to the Nehru-Gandhi family which has given India three prime ministers.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Congress party were re-elected last year, but his coalition government has been criticised for slow decision-making and there have been calls for younger and fresher politicians into his elderly cabinet.