Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75 on Tuesday, an age long regarded as the unofficial retirement age within his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The milestone has reignited debate over whether Modi will adhere to the unwritten rule that he has used to sideline other senior leaders.
The discussion gained momentum in July when Mohan Bhagwat, head of the BJP's ideological parent organisation the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), recalled the words of late Hindutva ideologue Moropant Pingle: 'When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others.' Bhagwat, who also turns 75 this month, later clarified his remarks were not directed at any individual.
Opposition parties have seized on the issue. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned when Modi would step aside, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut noted that Modi had forced veterans like LK Advani into retirement after they turned 75. The BJP has dismissed talk of a fixed retirement age, with Union home minister Amit Shah stating that Modi would remain at the helm until 2029.
Author and academic Apoorvanand told The Independent that the so-called rule was never formal, but rather a convenient way to retire leaders like Advani while Modi consolidated power. He added that within the BJP there is no evidence of tension, and Modi is reasserting himself through birthday advertisements in national dailies.
Apoorvanand argued that Modi's appeal now rests almost entirely on Hindu nationalism, as his 'development man' image has faded amid governance failures. The prime minister continues with his anti-Muslim rhetoric, he said.
