If the sharp dig at Modi had not been the high point of the press conference, then the prime minister's virtual announcement of his retirement would have made the headlines. Considering that he had left his options open for another term while speaking to the media while returning from South Africa at the end of the BRICS summit in March, it is obvious that something has happened in the intervening period to make him change his mind.
It is possible that the continuing taint of sleaze and high prices have persuaded the prime minister that his time is up. His praise, therefore, of Rahul Gandhi's "outstanding credentials" paves the way for the next generation in the Congress.
(Amulya Ganguli is a political analyst. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached at amulyaganguli@gmail.com)