Speculation over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible “retirement” after his 75th birthday next month has once again been firmly dismissed, both by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Reports had suggested Mr Modi could step aside in line with an unwritten convention within the BJP and the RSS that senior leaders demit office at 75. However, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat – who himself turns 75 just days before the Prime Minister – rubbished the claim. Speaking at an event marking the Sangh’s centenary celebrations, Mr Bhagwat clarified, “I never said I will retire, nor that anyone should retire at 75. In the Sangh, we are swayamsevaks. We take up responsibilities as directed. I will continue even if I am 80.”

His remarks come amid persistent opposition taunts that the BJP enforces an age ceiling, citing past instances when leaders were eased out after reaching the milestone. The BJP, however, has repeatedly underlined that no such binding rule exists. “There is no retirement age in our party or government. The Prime Minister will continue to serve,” the party has maintained.

The government itself has examples that belie the so-called age barrier. Jitan Ram Manjhi, the Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, is already 80. Several others in the Cabinet are within striking distance of 75.

Home Minister Amit Shah had addressed the matter head-on during the 2024 general election campaign, dismissing opposition barbs that Mr Modi would be ineligible to run. “He will not retire at 75. He will continue to lead the nation,” Mr Shah declared then.

With both the RSS chief and the BJP reiterating the same stance, speculation around Mr Modi’s political future beyond September 17 appears firmly settled – the Prime Minister is here to stay.

Speculation over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible “retirement” after his 75th birthday next month has once again been firmly dismissed, both by the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

Reports had suggested Mr Modi could step aside in line with an unwritten convention within the BJP and the RSS that senior leaders demit office at 75. However, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat – who himself turns 75 just days before the Prime Minister – rubbished the claim. Speaking at an event marking the Sangh’s centenary celebrations, Mr Bhagwat clarified, “I never said I will retire, nor that anyone should retire at 75. In the Sangh, we are swayamsevaks. We take up responsibilities as directed. I will continue even if I am 80.”

His remarks come amid persistent opposition taunts that the BJP enforces an age ceiling, citing past instances when leaders were eased out after reaching the milestone. The BJP, however, has repeatedly underlined that no such binding rule exists. “There is no retirement age in our party or government. The Prime Minister will continue to serve,” the party has maintained.

The government itself has examples that belie the so-called age barrier. Jitan Ram Manjhi, the Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, is already 80. Several others in the Cabinet are within striking distance of 75.

Home Minister Amit Shah had addressed the matter head-on during the 2024 general election campaign, dismissing opposition barbs that Mr Modi would be ineligible to run. “He will not retire at 75. He will continue to lead the nation,” Mr Shah declared then.

With both the RSS chief and the BJP reiterating the same stance, speculation around Mr Modi’s political future beyond September 17 appears firmly settled – the Prime Minister is here to stay.