Congress takes a dig at Shah's retirement advice to Patnaik
What's the story
The Congress on Wednesday reacted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement advising Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik (77) to retire due to his "advanced age and health issues."
Congress leader P Chidambaram jibed at Shah, asking whether his statement was indirectly aimed at 73-year-old Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This follows Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's repeated remarks that PM Modi will retire from politics after turning 75 in 2025, in line with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s rules.
Leadership promise
Shah promises young leadership and job fillings
On Tuesday, while addressing a poll rally in Odisha—which will witness simultaneous polling for Lok Sabha and assembly elections on May 25—Shah said the ongoing polls are to secure Modi's third term as PM and restore Odisha's stature, which has been "destroyed" by the Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal government.
Shah promised that if the BJP comes to power in the state, a young Odia-speaking "bhumiputra" would be appointed as the CM.
"Naveen babu is not keeping well," he added.
Chidambaram's response
Congress veteran Chidambaram responds to Shah's comments
Reacting to Shah's statement, former Union Minister Chidambaram posted on X, "When Mr Amit Shah said that Mr Naveen Patnaik should retire...was he throwing a hint to Mr Narendra Modi"
"It seems that Mr Amit Shah will be the happiest person if the BJP did not form the government and he, not Mr Modi, will sit as the Leader of the Opposition!" he added.
Twitter Post
Read Chidambaram's post here
When Mr Amit Shah said that Mr Naveen Patnaik should retire because of "advanced age" (77 years) was he throwing a hint to Mr Narendra Modi (73 years, 7 months) -- in case the BJP formed the government?
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 22, 2024
It seems that Mr Amit Shah will be the happiest person if the BJP did not…
Shah in Hyderabad
'Even if Modi turns 75, he will become PM': Shah
To recall, earlier this month, Shah said that Modi will become the PM of the country again.
His remark came in response to Kejriwal's claim that September 17, 2025 (PM Modi's 75 birthday) will be his last day in office.
"I want to tell Arvind Kejriwal and...[Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance]...there is no need to be happy about Modiji turning 75. It isn't written in the Constitution of the BJP that Modiji cannot become PM," he had said in Hyderabad.