In a decisive response to political murmurs and opposition-driven speculation about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s possible retirement and succession, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has firmly stated that Modi will continue to serve as Prime Minister beyond 2029. The BJP stalwart described the speculation as baseless, asserting that there is no leadership vacuum and no need for a successor discussion.
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Fadnavis Speaks Out: “No Need to Discuss Modi’s Successor”
Dismissing Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut’s comments about Modi’s potential successor, Fadnavis invoked a traditional metaphor to underscore the absurdity of such claims:
“When the father is alive, you don’t talk about the successor.”
He emphasized that PM Modi enjoys massive public support, remains the face of BJP, and will lead the nation well into the next decade. According to Fadnavis, any suggestion otherwise is “completely baseless and premature.”
Political Context
Sanjay Raut recently claimed that discussions were underway within the BJP regarding a transition of power post-2024. This quickly spiraled into media speculation over who might eventually succeed Modi.
Some observers point out that leadership changes in BJP-ruled states occasionally trigger speculation about future shifts at the national level, although no such discussions have been confirmed regarding Prime Minister Modi.
BJP’s Unified Stand Behind Modi
Fadnavis’s response reaffirms the BJP’s unwavering trust in PM Modi’s leadership. He categorically denied any ongoing internal deliberation about potential successors. He further stated that PM Modi would lead India in the 2029 elections and beyond, citing popular mandate as the key driver.
Key Points from Fadnavis’s Statement:
- No vacancy exists for PM post within BJP
- PM Modi will lead India in 2029 and potentially beyond
- Public support and national interest remain key criteria
- Succession talk is a distraction and lacks substance
Eye on General Elections 2029 and Beyond
As India heads toward the 2024 general elections, Modi remains the most popular political figure in the country. Fadnavis’s remarks suggest that the BJP is projecting a long-term vision with Modi at the helm.
He even indicated that Modi could continue until 2034 or longer, a projection based on the party’s confidence and the people’s continued support.
Opposition’s Response and Counterpoints
Opposition leaders like Sanjay Raut have claimed that BJP is actively discussing succession to prepare for a post-Modi era. Fadnavis refuted this outright, implying such remarks were meant to stir political confusion.
“There is no such discussion happening internally. These are fabrications designed to mislead voters,” Fadnavis said, indirectly referencing Shiv Sena’s ongoing political rivalry with BJP in Maharashtra.
Modi’s Popularity: The Driving Force
PM Modi’s leadership continues to command record approval ratings globally, according to data from Morning Consult. His foreign policy moves, welfare schemes, infrastructure initiatives, and economic reforms have kept him at the center of India’s political narrative since 2014.
The BJP, having secured landslide victories in both 2014 and 2019, is expected to campaign in 2024 and 2029 on the promise of continuity under Modi’s leadership.
Moving Forward: No Room for Speculation, Says BJP
Devendra Fadnavis’ emphatic rebuttal to succession speculations reinforces the BJP’s unwavering support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s extended leadership. With the general elections drawing closer, the message from the BJP is clear: Modi is here to stay, and discussions about a successor are not only premature but also irrelevant in the current political climate.As Fadnavis summed it up—“There is only one leader, and that is Narendra Modi.”
By – Nikita
