Whether it's at a tea stall, a paan shop, or in a bumpy tempo ride on a broken road, one question has consistently echoed among Narendra Modi's supporters over the years: If not Modi, then who?
Initially, this question was directed at the opposition—who could possibly replace Modi? But now, the same question is being asked within the BJP: who could take Modi's place?
As Narendra Modi serves his third term as Prime Minister, he is set to turn 75 next year. The political significance of reaching this age is worth considering, especially when looking at certain dates and statements. It's important to note that all these discussions are taking place before the 2024 Lok Sabha election results are announced.
Has BJP Begun Discussing a New Successor?
With the BJP’s dream of surpassing 400 seats fading, is the party now contemplating who could succeed Narendra Modi? Who within the BJP might be the next in line, and what role might the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) play in this process? The RSS’s influence is significant, especially when the BJP finds itself in a weaker position.
These questions gain even more importance with speculations of political tension between Yogi Adityanath and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, as observed by various political analysts and recent developments.
Retirement at 75: Where Did This Idea Come From?
When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, senior leaders like Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were not included in the parliamentary board or the cabinet. Instead, they were placed in the "Margdarshak Mandal" or advisory council. Advani was 86, and Joshi was 80 at the time.
In June 2016, during the expansion of the Madhya Pradesh cabinet, Babulal Gaur and Sartaj Singh, both over 75, were asked to step down from ministerial positions. Similarly, former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, who was over 80, was not given any significant role. Himachal Pradesh's veteran leader Shanta Kumar faced a similar situation.
At that time, Amit Shah stated, "There is neither a rule nor a tradition in the party that leaders over the age of 75 are not allowed to contest elections." However, he acknowledged the trend of leaders over 75 stepping down from active roles.
Karnataka’s B.S. Yediyurappa is an exception to this trend, as he continued to lead the BJP in the state even after turning 80. However, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP did not give tickets to the 91-year-old Advani and the 86-year-old Joshi.
In an April 2019 interview with *The Week*, Amit Shah confirmed that no one over the age of 75 was given a ticket, stating that it was the party’s decision. In an older video, Shah is also seen saying, "The decision was made not to assign responsibilities to leaders over 75."
Exceptions to the Rule
Despite this, some leaders like Kalraj Mishra, Najma Heptulla, and now Jitan Ram Manjhi have managed to secure positions in Modi's cabinet after turning 75. However, it’s worth noting that Manjhi is not a BJP member but is part of the ruling coalition.
Conclusion
As Modi nears 75, discussions about his successor within the BJP are inevitable. Whether it will be Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, or someone else entirely, remains a subject of speculation and intrigue. The role of the RSS in this decision-making process could be crucial, especially if the BJP faces internal challenges or a weakened position.