Discussions regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's potential retirement have been prominent in Indian political discourse. A key point of debate is the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) informal guideline suggesting leaders retire from active roles upon reaching 75 years of age. This practice has previously led to senior leaders like L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi stepping back from prominent positions.India Today+2The Economic Times+2Hindustan Times+2
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has highlighted this precedent, questioning whether PM Modi will adhere to the same standard upon turning 75 on September 17, 2025. Kejriwal has suggested that Modi's retirement could pave the way for Union Home Minister Amit Shah to assume the prime ministerial role. The Economic Times+2ABP Live+2India Today+2The Economic Times+1Hindustan Times+1
In response, BJP leaders have dismissed these assertions. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized that there is no constitutional provision within the BJP mandating retirement at 75, affirming that PM Modi will continue to lead and is expected to complete his term. BJP National President J.P. Nadda has also refuted claims about Modi's impending retirement, reinforcing the party's stance on his ongoing leadership. The Economic Times+5Hindustan Times+5mint+5India Today
Further fueling the conversation, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that PM Modi's recent visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur was to discuss his retirement plans, suggesting that the RSS would decide his successor, potentially from Maharashtra. The Economic Times+2Pragativadi+2Financial Express+2
These discussions underscore the ongoing debates within Indian political circles about leadership transitions and the application of age-related guidelines within the BJP.