Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 71st Birthday Sparks Debate
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates his 71st birthday, discussions are heating up about his future as the leader of India. The central issue is whether Modi will remain in office beyond 2024, especially given the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) unwritten rule that requires politicians to retire from ministerial and organizational roles at the age of 75.
The BJP’s Age-Related Retirement Rule
The BJP traditionally expects its senior leaders to step down from significant positions upon turning 75. Modi will be 73 years old during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. If the BJP wins and Modi secures a third consecutive term as Prime Minister, he would be required to retire by September 17, 2025, when he turns 75. However, it remains to be seen whether the party will enforce this rule strictly in Modi’s case.
Historical Context of Modi’s Tenure
Modi is currently the fourth-longest-serving Prime Minister of India. Jawaharlal Nehru holds the record for the longest tenure, serving for 17 consecutive years. Indira Gandhi follows with a total of 16 years across different terms. Modi is on track to surpass Manmohan Singh’s decade-long tenure by 2024. To surpass Nehru and Gandhi and become the longest-serving Prime Minister, Modi would need to remain in office until 2031.
Precedents and Party Practices
Historically, the BJP has adhered to its age-related retirement norms. For example, BS Yediyurappa resigned from his role as Chief Minister of Karnataka at the age of 78. Similarly, senior leaders like Yashwant Sinha, Jaswant Singh, and Shatrughan Sinha were denied party tickets in the 2014 elections, leading to internal disputes and their eventual departure from the party.
LK Advani and MM Joshi, other senior BJP leaders, were not included in Modi’s cabinet despite winning the 2014 elections. Instead, they were placed in the Margdarshak Mandal, a body created to guide the party.
Gubernatorial Appointments
The BJP has also appointed senior leaders to gubernatorial roles after their active political careers. Notable examples include Anandiben Patel, Kalyan Singh, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Najma Heptulla, Vajubhai Vala, and Lalji Tandon. While some of these leaders have completed their terms or passed away, Patel and Koshiyari continue to serve as governors.
Conclusion
As Narendra Modi’s tenure progresses, it remains uncertain whether he will adhere to the BJP’s age rule or continue as Prime Minister beyond 2025. This decision will have significant implications for the BJP and the future of Indian politics.
