In a week of notable political activity, three incidents gave rise to considerable speculation about the future of the BJP leadership. These events, while they appear unconnected, might mean more when they are considered together.
Mohan Bhagwat Reiterates the 75 Retirement Age Rule
Mohan Bhagwat spoke at an event and, once again, reminded everyone that leaders step down at 75. While it isn\’t the first time he has championed this line of thought, this is noteworthy for the timing.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has just resigned, though he has not disclosed the reason why. He will soon be 75. His resignation was quiet; no fanfare, no attention. By the way, Prime Minister Modi also turned 75 last month—perhaps Bhagwat knows something we don\’t.
Yogi Adityanath meets top BJP leaders in Delhi
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has added to the speculation, holding important meetings with senior BJP leaders in Delhi, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President J.P. Nadda. Thus far, the party narrative has been on organizational matters and electoral preparation, but the back-to-back nature of such closed-door meetings suggests an alternative reality.
Yogi\’s growing stature in the party and the discussions happening in the political corridors have raised questions about whether the BJP is preparing for a generational shift in leadership.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar\’s Resignation
Perhaps the most unexpected turn of events was Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation from a constitutional appointment, where resignations are rather rare. The 73-year-old has served as Vice President since 2022, with two more years left in his term. There are no reports of any health issues or controversies, making the resignation appear rather sudden and without explanation.
As Dhankhar approaches the 75-year mark as well, some also see his resignation as the first sign that the age cap will be enforced more strictly—along the lines of the RSS ideology.
Given Bhagwat’s public announcement, Dhankhar’s resignation, and Yogi\’s key meetings happening in fairly close succession, political observers and analysts are left to consider: were these three events merely a coincidence, or was it a well-planned overture towards a leadership change?
Is it possible that there\’s more to the story?
