PM Narendra Modi(L), JP supporters during a public meeting
Credit: Reuters, PTI Photos
New Delhi: BJP leader Nishikant Dubey has said that while prime minister Narendra Modi does not need the Bharatiya Janata Party, the party on the other hand is dependent on Modi for its survival. Dubey said that in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, if the party contests without Modi, it will be reduced to 150 seats.
The Godda Lok Sabha MP made the comments when he was speaking to news agency ANI during a podcast. He further said that for the next 15-20 years, he does not see a situation within BJP that does not include Modi. “I can only see Modi (at the helm) for the next 15-20 years … If Modi is not the leader, then Bharatiya Janata party will not even win 150 seats,” Dubey declared. To be sure, the entire interview is not yet released, only a 2 minute teaser is out yet.
Dubey was also quizzed on his comments on UP CM Yogi Adityanath; he had said earlier that there’s no space for Yogi in Delhi at the moment. Dubey’s comments assume significance since there is a widespread speculation that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh wants to implement the 75-year rule across all posts with the party as well as RSS. Both PM Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat are turning 75 years of age in 2026.
Bhagwat recently remarks said that political leaders should retire once they touch 75 years of age. Dubey said that this rule does not apply to PM Modi as the BJP needs him to be in power.
Dubey also said that the creation of Bangladesh by former prime minister Indira Gandhi has been a mistake. “I feel that it was a mistake for which some of us are still paying for… she should have created a Hindu Bangladesh and a Muslim Bangladesh,” the controversial lawmaker said.