When Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down as Vice-President, citing age-related health issues, discussions on ageing in politics sharpened in India. The suggestion of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat two months ago that leaders should step aside at the age of 75 had also triggered a debate. Narendra Modi continues as Prime Minister despite crossing the age of 75 and so do several other leaders, underscoring the lack of a clear retirement norm.

The BJP’s unofficial age limit of 75 years — symbolised by the creation of the Margadarshak Mandal, often seen as a euphemism for the party’s retirement cell — has kept the spotlight on the question of when politicians should call it a day.

At the State level too, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s age and health have emerged as key ta

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