The Manufactured Succession Debate: A Counter to Rajdeep Sardesai’s Wishful Thinking

In recent political commentary, Rajdeep Sardesai attempted to paint a picture of an alleged power struggle within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) involving Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Using RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on retirement age as the basis, Sardesai framed it as a “trial balloon” for succession talks. However, a closer look reveals that this so-called BJP succession debate is less about facts and more about wishful thinking. 

This article will dissect the claims, highlight the reality of the BJP’s leadership structure, and show why such narratives fail to match political ground realities.

BJP: A Cadre-Based Party, Not a Political Dynasty

The BJP has consistently operated as a cadre-based party with structured and merit-driven leadership transitions. Unlike dynastic parties such as the Congress—where leadership is inherited by family members—the BJP follows internal democratic mechanisms for electing presidents and decision-makers.

This tradition has been visible in the smooth transitions of the past, from Atal Bihari Vajpayee to L.K. Advani, and from Advani to Narendra Modi. The emphasis is on performance, organizational experience, and ideological commitment rather than family lineage.

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RSS–BJP Relationship: Misrepresented by the Media

Much of the speculation about “rifts” between the BJP and the RSS is fueled by media commentators who project their own biases. In reality, the RSS-BJP relationship is deeply ideological, based on decades of cooperation and mutual respect.

Mohan Bhagwat’s statement that 75 could be a good age for retirement was philosophical in tone, not a political directive aimed at destabilizing Prime Minister Modi. Such comments have been taken out of context to fit a media-driven narrative.

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The Liberal Obsession with Modi’s Exit

At the heart of many such opinion pieces lies the unspoken hope among certain liberal commentators that Narendra Modi will leave politics—either through electoral defeat or forced retirement. This desire is magnified after repeated electoral setbacks for the opposition.

However, data from a CSDS post-poll survey after the 2024 elections showed that nearly 25% of BJP voters specifically supported the party because of Modi’s leadership. This highlights his unmatched influence in shaping BJP’s electoral success.

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Media’s Role in Manufacturing Political Rifts

The portrayal of internal rivalries between Modi, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, and the RSS often comes from editorial speculation rather than verified political developments. Unlike the Congress and other dynastic parties, where leadership changes can be unpredictable and personality-driven, the BJP follows a disciplined process.

The party’s ability to manage transitions internally is one reason it has remained electorally dominant for over a decade. Outside commentary may attempt to interpret “signals” from RSS speeches, but actual decision-making remains firmly within the BJP and its organizational structure.

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Why the Succession Debate Misses the Point

The idea that the BJP is heading toward a messy leadership battle ignores its history, culture, and discipline. The party is unlikely to let media speculation dictate its succession planning. Any future leadership changes will be determined by party consensus and organizational needs, not by editorial wish lists.

The manufactured succession debate thus serves more as a reflection of the commentator’s political desires than a genuine insight into BJP politics.

FAQs on the BJP Succession Debate

Q1. Is there a real succession crisis in the BJP?
No. Leadership transitions in the BJP are typically smooth and based on internal consensus.

Q2. Did Mohan Bhagwat target Narendra Modi with his retirement remarks?
No. His statement was philosophical and not directed at any specific leader.

Q3. How does BJP’s leadership structure differ from Congress?
BJP operates on cadre-based merit, while Congress relies heavily on dynastic succession.

Q4. Is the Modi-Shah-Yogi rivalry real?
There is no verified evidence of such a rivalry; most claims come from speculative commentary.

Q5. Why do some media outlets focus on BJP succession?
It reflects political bias and an underlying wish among certain commentators for Modi’s early exit from politics.

Q6. What role does RSS play in BJP leadership changes?
The RSS shares ideological ties with BJP and offers guidance but does not impose decisions.

Conclusion

The manufactured succession debate promoted by certain media voices is less about political reality and more about personal bias. The BJP’s proven ability to manage leadership transitions internally, combined with Modi’s unmatched popularity, makes such speculation largely irrelevant to the party’s actual functioning.

Rather than projecting internal cracks that do not exist, the focus should be on understanding why BJP’s disciplined, cadre-based approach continues to resonate with voters, while dynastic politics increasingly struggles to inspire confidence.