Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday marks not just a personal milestone, but also a significant political moment for India’s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Traditionally, the BJP has regarded 75 as the retirement age for its senior leaders, as seen with figures like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. However, Modi’s leadership has redefined this unwritten rule. As he completes 100 days of his third term in office, the conversation around his political career gains fresh momentum.
Modi’s Journey: Achievements and Challenges
Narendra Modi’s journey from Gujarat’s Chief Minister to India’s longest-serving non-Congress Prime Minister has been marked by several significant achievements. His leadership has brought about major reforms like the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which simplified India’s tax system, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide cleanliness campaign that emphasized hygiene and sanitation. Additionally, Modi’s government led a digital transformation through the Digital India initiative, ensuring that government services reached rural areas via digital platforms.
However, Modi’s tenure has also been riddled with controversies. His 2016 demonetization policy, aimed at curbing black money, led to a nationwide cash crunch, with small businesses bearing the brunt of the impact. National security became a focal point of his tenure, with bold moves like the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the Balakot airstrikes against Pakistan following the Pulwama attack.
Yet, the controversies surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) sparked widespread protests, accusing the government of religious discrimination. Moreover, the farmer protests against three farm laws led to massive unrest, eventually forcing the government to repeal the laws.
BJP’s Unofficial Retirement Age: Modi’s Exception
The BJP has long adhered to an unofficial policy of sidelining leaders once they reach the age of 75, often placing them in advisory roles. This tradition was followed with senior leaders like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi. However, Prime Minister Modi has defied this norm. His continued popularity and mass appeal have reshaped the party’s internal dynamics, making him an exception to the 75-year retirement rule. Modi’s third consecutive term as Prime Minister highlights his dominance in the political arena, proving that for him, age is just a number.
Modi’s leadership continues to challenge the established norms within the BJP, raising questions about the future direction of the party’s policies and leadership transitions.
Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/yFz876YjZRo
