Popular global news agency Reuters has published a striking political analysis examining potential successors in Indian politics if Prime Minister Narendra Modi steps back from active politics after the 2029 general elections, when he will be 79 years old.
What is strange in this analysis is that it predicts that Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu or his son and state IT minister Nara Lokesh could succeed as the prime minister after Modi.
The analysis made by Shritama Bose shortlists Naidu or Lokesh as possible contenders in a scenario where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fails to secure a clear majority and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) becomes heavily dependent on strong regional parties.
The analysis says Modi will be halfway through his third term in 2026. A fourth stint is possible but improbable. Shritama Bose identifies some possible successors whose names may come to the fore in the year ahead.
According to her, if regional players emerge as kingmakers within the NDA, a senior southern leader like Chandrababu Naidu—or even Nara Lokesh—could find space in the prime ministerial race. The report underscores Naidu’s political experience and his ability to navigate coalition politics.
Within the BJP, the Reuters analyst identifies Union home minister Amit Shah as the most powerful leader after Modi, placing him at the forefront of succession discussions. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is also mentioned as a key contender.
However, the analysis notably omits Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, despite his mass appeal and strong grassroots following. This omission has sparked debate among political observers, who question the rationale behind prioritising Fadnavis over Yogi, widely seen as one of the BJP’s most popular leaders after Modi.
The Reuters assessment has triggered fresh discussions on India’s post-Modi political landscape, particularly the growing influence of regional leaders in a fragmented electoral scenario.
