PMO Rejects RTI on PM Modi’s Potential Exit at 75
New Delhi, July 17, 2025: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to turn 75 on September 17, 2025, speculation over his political future has intensified. RTI activist Ajay Bose submitted an application to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), asking whether:
- PM Modi would resign upon turning 75,
- he would shift to BJP’s MargDarshak Mandal (a senior advisory body),
- and whether a successor had been named.
Bose specifically referenced Modi’s previous remarks about joining the Mandal post-75
PMO’s Categorical Reply: “Not Information”
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) rejected the RTI request, stating that such hypothetical questions “do not fall under the definition of information” as per Section 2(f) of the RTI Act. It stressed that the Central Public Information Officer is not required to respond to speculative or interpretive queries.
📚 Tradition vs. Exception
Historically, BJP leaders such as LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Jaswant Singh were shifted to the MargDarshak Mandal after turning 75, honoring an unofficial retirement tradition. Yet those are precedents—not mandates. While RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has publicly stated, “When you turn 75, it means you should stop now” , BJP insiders emphasize that no formal age cap exists in the party constitution. Many believe Modi could continue through 2029.
🗣️ Diverging Political Reactions
- Analysts and Opposition: Critics say if leaders like Advani had to step aside, then Modi should be held to the same standard—ensuring consistency and institutional integrity.
- Party Supporters: BJP leaders such as Ramdas Athawale and Devendra Fadnavis argue Modi’s unmatched leadership and popularity outweigh any age norms—and dismiss retirement rumors .
🔭 What Happens Next?
- 📌 As it stands, no official decision has been made regarding Modi’s post-75 political role.
- 🛣️ The PMO and BJP are treating this as a hypothetical scenario, leaving no plans public.
- 🗓️ With Modi’s 75th birthday drawing nearer, speculation may intensify. However, real clarity will emerge only after September 17, 2025.
✅ Key Facts at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| RTI Response | Declared non‑information — hypothetical & interpretive questions excluded |
| Modi’s 75th Birthday | 17 September 2025 |
| Unwritten Party Norm | Senior leaders often moved to Margdarshak Mandal after 75 |
| No Formal Protocol | Party constitution has no mandate for retirement at 75 |
| Official Position | PMO & BJP: no confirmed plans — treat the RTI as theoretical only |
