‘Nitin Gadkari should be the next PM’: Karnataka Congress MLA cites RSS’s 75-year age-limit remark

Belur Gopalakrishna praises Gadkari’s pro-poor stance, questions BJP’s silence on 75-year retirement norm after Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks

Amid renewed buzz over leadership succession in the BJP following RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks about leaders retiring at the age of 75, Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna has stirred the pot by suggesting that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari should be the next Prime Minister if Narendra Modi steps down.

Speaking to the media, Gopalakrishna praised Gadkari for his work in infrastructure development and for his connect with the common man. He said,

“Gadkari ji has done great work on roads and highways. He speaks up for the poor and stands with the common people. He understands development. That’s the kind of person who should become Prime Minister.”

Referring to a recent statement by Gadkari in which he expressed concern about rising inequality, Gopalakrishna added,

“He’s shown he has a vision for inclusive growth. If leaders like him are elevated, it will be good for the country.”

RSS Chief’s Statement Triggers Buzz

The statement comes in the backdrop of RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks during a book release in Nagpur where he said,

“When you turn 75, you should stop and give space to new people.”

While Bhagwat did not name anyone, political observers linked the comment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 in September 2025. The speculation grew louder as PM Modi himself had previously enforced the retirement-at-75 rule in the BJP, notably asking veteran leader BS Yediyurappa to step down as Karnataka CM after he crossed the age limit.

Taking a dig at this inconsistency, Gopalakrishna said,

“Yediyurappa, who built the BJP in Karnataka, was made to resign when he turned 75. He had tears in his eyes. If that rule was applied to him, why not to Modi ji too? Is the rule only for some and not for others?”

BJP Yet to Respond

While the BJP has so far not issued a formal response, the Congress MLA’s remarks have sparked fresh discussions within political circles, especially as succession planning and generational transition remain delicate subjects in Indian politics.

Gopalakrishna’s unexpected endorsement of Gadkari, a senior BJP leader often seen as more moderate and development-focused has also drawn attention for its rare bipartisan tone, especially coming from a Congress member.

As Modi nears the age of 75 and the political calendar moves toward 2029, the question of leadership transition in the BJP and within the larger NDA, may become increasingly prominent.