Amit Shah hits back at Kejriwal's PM speculation, affirms PM Modi won't retire at 75

Amit Shah stated that there are no provisions within the BJP's constitution for succession after an individual reaches the age of 75, reaffirming PM Modi's leadership until 2029.

Home Minister Amit Shah hit back at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's remarks suggesting Shah would become Prime Minister if BJP wins the elections.

Shah slammed the INDI alliance saying they cannot succeed in elections by spreading falsehoods. And, for the first time publicly, BJP affirms PM Modi won't retire at 75.

Shah asserted that the people of India strongly support Prime Minister Modi. He stated that leaders of the INDI alliance are aware that the BJP is projected to win over 400 seats, resulting in Prime Minister Modi securing his third term. Shah further clarified that there are no provisions within the BJP's constitution for leadership succession, reaffirming Modi's leadership until 2029.

The Home Minister also questioned Mr Kejriwal's "misplaced confidence" and pointed at the interim bail as a temporary relief, but not something that frees the Delhi Chief Minister from the liquor policy case, in which former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has also been jailed.

"The people of this country, be it from East, West, North, South or Northeast, they are standing with Modi. All the leaders of the INDI alliance know that we are going to cross 400 seats and Modi ji will become the PM of this country for the third time, that is why they are spreading this type of misconception," said Shah on Kejriwal's 'Amit Shah will be the PM, if BJP wins' remark.

"I want to clarify that there is no such provision in BJP's constitution and Modi ji will lead the country till 2029 and Modi ji will also lead the coming elections. There is no good news for INDI alliance...They cannot win elections by spreading such lies," Shah said clarifying the party's rules on leadership succession after an individual reaches the age of 75.

Kejriwal speaking to party members a day after being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court in the excise policy case, highlighted PM Modi's upcoming 75th birthday on September 17 and the party's internal age policy, which mandates retirement at that age. Kejriwal pointed out the retirements of senior BJP leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha, and speculated that PM Modi might retire on his birthday, paving the way for Amit Shah's ascension to the Prime Minister's office. He accused the PM of seeking votes for Shah and questioned whether Shah would fulfill Modi's supposed to guarantee.

Kejriwal said, "These people ask the INDIA alliance who will be their Prime Minister. I ask BJP who will be your Prime Minister? PM Modi is turning 75, on 17th September. He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years...LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha were retired and now PM Modi is going to retire on 17th September...If their government is formed, they will first dispose of Yogi Adityanath and then make Amit Shah the Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is asking for votes for Amit Shah. Will Amit Shah fulfill Modi's guarantee?..."

These exchanges between Shah and Kejriwal highlight the escalating political tensions as India braces for the fourth of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections.