Political Speculation Arises After RSS Chief's Comments on Age and Leadership
Controversy Surrounds Bhagwat's Remarks on Retirement
Comments made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Mohan Bhagwat regarding stepping aside at the age of 75 have ignited discussions among opposition parties about the future of both him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi is set to reach the age of 75 in September, and the RSS serves as the foundational organization for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During a book launch event in Nagpur on Wednesday, which honored the late RSS thinker Moropant Pingle, Bhagwat shared a story about a past meeting where Pingle was presented with a shawl upon turning 75.
Bhagwat recounted Pingle's humorous response when asked to speak: 'People start laughing at me when I stand... I feel that people are not taking me seriously... You honored me on my 75th birthday, but I understand what that signifies. When you receive a shawl at this age, it implies that you have aged, and it’s time to step aside for others to take over.'
In response to Bhagwat's remarks, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh pointed out that Modi will also be turning 75 soon, suggesting that the RSS chief's comments were a reminder for the Prime Minister.
Ramesh quipped, 'The Prime Minister could remind Bhagwat that he too will celebrate his 75th birthday on September 11, 2025! One arrow, two targets!'
Congress MP Abhishek Singhvi criticized the idea of advocating for retirement at 75 without adhering to it, stating, 'It is unprincipled that the Margdarshak Mandal was given mandatory retirement at this age, yet it appears that the current leadership will be exempt from this rule.'
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi remarked that Bhagwat's comments were a 'clear message' aimed at Modi, who is approaching his 75th birthday.
Chaturvedi noted, 'The dynamics between the RSS and BJP are evident from their statements. When the BJP came to power in 2014, they placed leaders over 75 in the 'Margdarshak Mandali.' Now, the RSS is reminding the BJP of its commitments after 11 years. Internal conflicts are becoming public, and the consequences remain uncertain.'
Pawan Khera, Congress' publicity chief, interpreted Bhagwat's statement as 'good news,' implying that both he and Modi would retire in September.
Uddhav Sena leader Sanjay Raut accused Modi of having 'forced' senior BJP leaders like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi to retire due to their age. He questioned whether Modi would apply the same standard to himself.
Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule clarified that there is 'no rule in the BJP that requires retirement at 75.'
Historically, the BJP has dismissed rumors regarding Modi stepping down. In August 2024, party leader Amit Shah asserted that Modi would continue as Prime Minister if the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance secures victory in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Bhagwat has held the position of RSS chief since 2009, and there are no established term or age limits for this role.