BJP denies Shiv Sena's claim about Modi's retirement; Fadnavis criticises 'Mughal culture' succession talk

NEW DELHI: The BJP has dismissed Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's statement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur was a step towards his retirement. Raut claimed that Modi's successor would be from Maharashtra and that the RSS would announce the decision.

Maharashtra Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis responded, saying that Modi will continue to lead the party in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He emphasised that there is no need to discuss succession now, as Modi remains the party's leader.

Fadnavis also criticised the idea of discussing succession while Modi is still active, calling it inappropriate in Indian culture. He compared it to Mughal practices, referencing Aurangzeb's imprisonment of his father, Shah Jahan, to take over the throne.

Debate on Modi's age limit

Sanjay Raut suggested that Modi might retire when he turns 75 on September 17, in line with the BJP's policy. He claimed that Modi's visit to the RSS headquarters was to inform them about this decision.

The question of whether the BJP's age limit of 75 applies to Modi has become a topic of national debate. During the last Lok Sabha election campaign, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal had speculated that Amit Shah would soon succeed Modi.