'25 Years Still Remaining': What PM Modi Said When A Leader Called Him On 75th Birthday

Last Updated:February 07, 2026, 11:31 IST

Piyush Goyal shared a video of PM Modi interacting with students, in which the latter said he focuses not on the years that have passed but on years that still lie ahead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with students during his ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ (discussion on exams) programme on Friday. He also referred to his age during the interaction, making a light-hearted remark that quickly drew political attention.

Recalling a birthday call he received last year, the Prime Minister said a leader reminded him that he had completed 75 years. PM Modi replied that “25 are still remaining", adding that he prefers to count the years ahead rather than those already passed.

The video of the interaction was shared online by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

His remark revived discussion around the BJP’s informal practice of leaders stepping aside after the age of 75. The debate had intensified when Modi turned 75 on September 17, 2025.

If he completes his present term, he would be 79 by its end, and several senior party leaders have indicated he could again be the NDA’s prime ministerial face in 2029.

The issue gained further attention after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at a book launch in Nagpur in July 2025, referred to a humorous remark by late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle that a shawl offered at 75 symbolised retirement.

Since both Bhagwat and Modi turned 75 in September 2025, opposition parties interpreted the comment as a possible signal.

Leaders from opposition parties cited past instances where senior BJP figures such as LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Jaswant Singh moved to the Margdarshak Mandal after crossing 75, questioning whether the same principle would apply now.

The BJP leadership, however, has repeatedly dismissed any suggestion of Modi stepping down.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier said there is no retirement provision in the party constitution and that Modi would continue to lead until 2029.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also maintained that no formal rule fixing a retirement age was ever adopted.

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