“To be or not to be”- The dilemma seems to hold true for 89-year-old Himachal Pradesh minister, Vidya Stokes ahead of Assembly polls.

You ask this ‘ageing but agile’ leader about her plans to retire from electoral politics and her pet reply is, “Let’s see. Not decided yet.”

Known for her ‘apolitical approach’ all through, Stokes is probably playing political cards close to her chest, at least this time, as she is not ready to open up even with her close confidants.

“I have not applied for assembly ticket for ensuing elections so far. My children, who are living abroad, do tell me to quit and spend time with them. It depends on my people what they want. We should have someone who is willing to work,” Stokes told The Statesman.

Soft spoken but bold, the eight times MLA and former speaker of HP Assembly, Stokes, who entered the electoral politics just by chance after the death of her husband in 1974, turns 90 this December.

She is the eldest politician in the state, represents Theog assembly segment in Shimla district and is presently holding Irrigation and Public Health, Horticulture and IT portfolios.

A leading apple grower, social worker, sports lover and a painter, Stokes enjoys clean image and has been a politician with a difference. She is believed to have close relations with Congress President, Sonia Gandhi.

“I have been into politics to serve people and have got much respect and love from people. I have not been taking any salary from the government as a minister and am not after any facilities. So I don’t mind even quitting,” she said.

She looks healthy and active and has the capacity to work hard through the day even at this age for her disciplined diet over last four decades, since she left eating cereals.

While many senior Congress leaders believe that age is no bar if the person can manage the load of work a politician has. The younger lot opines exactly the opposite. “The seniors should gracefully pave the way for youngsters in politics at one point of time,” said a Congress leader.

In case of Stokes, Congress sources said the high command may take the final call. “She is ready to contest unless the high command tells her not to,” confided a very senior Congress leader.

Party insiders said many in the Congress, including the ones close to Stokes, are eyeing ticket from Theog assembly segment, in case she is not in the fray this time.