Oct 10, 2024
Modi’s Retirement: Who’s Next?
(I mourn Ratan Tata's demise; but I am worried about Narendra Modi's replacement soon)
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi passes 75 years of age, a potential retirement looms, aligning with his belief that leaders should step down by that age. This raises the critical question of succession in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2029 general elections. The RSS, a powerful influence in BJP affairs, is expected to play a significant role in determining future leadership. In contrast, the opposition’s INDI Alliance, a coalition of regional parties united by a desire to defeat the BJP, lacks ideological coherence. While they came close to a breakthrough in the 2024 elections, their long-term success remains uncertain.
In the 2024 elections, the Congress Party secured 99 seats, the Samajwadi Party 37, and the Trinamool Congress 29, while the BJP was reduced to a minority with 240 seats. This outcome has prompted speculation about the future of BJP leadership and whether the party can maintain its dominance beyond Modi’s tenure. The expectation is that Modi will hand over leadership by 2029, and several potential successors are already being considered.
Key figures within the BJP who could replace Modi include Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh; Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam; and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, federal ministers Amit Shah and Nitin Gadkari are seen as strong contenders. All these individuals have strong leadership credentials, having held significant administrative roles, and are closely aligned with the Modi-style governance model. Chandrababu Naidu, while a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), may also be considered, though his lack of RSS backing could be a disadvantage.
On the other side, the INDI Alliance’s leadership faces its own challenges. Rahul Gandhi remains a central figure in the Congress Party but lacks substantial administrative experience, which has led to repeated political setbacks. Other experienced politicians in the alliance, such as P. Chidambaram, Shashi Tharoor, and Jairam Ramesh, may provide stability, but the party’s reliance on Gandhi continues to be a point of concern. Additionally, leaders like M.K. Stalin of Tamil Nadu and Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal are potential candidates for national leadership roles, though Banerjee’s numerous political obstacles may hinder her chances.
The Congress Party, out of power for over 15 years, faces the challenge of adapting to governance if they return to power. Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, largely inherited and shaped without extensive practical experience, has contributed to the party’s struggles. In contrast, the BJP appears more prepared for a leadership transition, with several seasoned leaders ready to step up. While the INDI Alliance has successfully challenged the BJP’s dominance, their internal coherence and leadership remain in question. Both parties have time to refine their strategies for the next electoral contest, but for now, BJP’s succession plans seem more robust than the Congress Party’s reliance on Rahul Gandhi.
.Most of you guys will talk all day about secularism and will favor pakistan for "certain reasons" and Erdogan will go to the UN and preach on us while his piehole will remain shut on the same issues in Balochistan or POK.
. This is the azadi Pakistan gives them and i am all for it.
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