Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut recently stirred political circles by claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his retirement in a closed-door meeting at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. While BJP leaders have dismissed these claims, the speculation over who could be India’s next Prime Minister has intensified.
Will PM Modi Step Down?
PM Modi, who will turn 75 in September 2025, has been at the center of discussions regarding BJP’s unofficial "retirement at 75" rule. However, top BJP leaders, including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, have clarified that there is no such policy in the party's constitution.
Despite these denials, opposition leaders have repeatedly suggested that PM Modi may step aside after the 2024 elections, leading to speculation over his possible successor.
Who Could Be India’s Next PM?
If PM Modi were to retire, the race for the next leader of India would likely feature several top BJP leaders. Some of the strongest contenders include:
-
Amit Shah – As India’s Home Minister and Modi’s closest political ally, he is seen as the natural choice. His electoral strategies and governance experience make him a frontrunner.
-
Yogi Adityanath – The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has gained national prominence for his leadership style and Hindutva appeal. His rising popularity could make him a strong candidate.
-
Rajnath Singh – A veteran leader and the current Defence Minister, Singh has held multiple key roles in the government and BJP. His experience and balanced approach make him a potential successor.
-
Nitin Gadkari – Known for his development-oriented governance and cross-party respect, Gadkari has often been speculated as a possible future PM. However, his independent stance may be a hurdle within BJP.
-
Devendra Fadnavis – The former Maharashtra CM and current Deputy CM is a key BJP leader from Maharashtra and could emerge as a strong contender.
BJP’s Official Stand
BJP leaders have dismissed reports of PM Modi’s retirement, calling them baseless. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated, “There is no need to look for a successor. Modi ji will continue as Prime Minister.”
However, with the 2029 elections still a few years away, discussions over BJP’s future leadership remain open-ended.
Would PM Modi step down voluntarily, or will he continue leading until 2029? Only time will tell.