“In 2029, We Will See Modi as PM Again”: Fadnavis Slams Retirement Rumors

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday dismissed speculation about Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepping down in September, calling it baseless. “There is no need to search for his successor. He is our leader and will continue,” Fadnavis asserted in Nagpur.

His remarks were a fiery response to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who claimed that PM Modi—turning 75 this year—would retire in line with an alleged BJP rule barring leaders over that age from holding ministerial positions. The BJP has denied such a rule, pointing out that ministers like Jitan Ram Manjhi, aged 80, continue to serve.

The speculation gained traction after PM Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, his first as Prime Minister in 11 years. The RSS, widely seen as the BJP’s ideological mentor, was accused by Raut of summoning Modi to discuss succession plans. “Modi’s successor will be from Maharashtra… and the RSS will decide,” Raut claimed, alleging that the ‘sangh parivar’ wanted new leadership.

Fadnavis struck back with a strong rebuttal. “In 2029, we will see Modi as Prime Minister again,” he declared, adding, “In our culture, when the father is alive, it is inappropriate to talk about succession. The time has not come to discuss it.” He also took a swipe at the opposition, calling such discussions a reflection of “Mughal culture.”

His remark was a reference to another ongoing controversy—over the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Maharashtra, which has sparked heated political debates.