A recent statement by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat about stepping aside at the age of 75 has sparked political debate, with opposition leaders suggesting it could have implications for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 this September just days after Bhagwat himself.
Speaking at a book launch event in Nagpur on Wednesday in memory of late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle, Bhagwat remarked, “When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others.”
He cited Pingle’s humorous observation that being felicitated with a shawl after 75 signified it was time to gracefully step aside. Bhagwat emphasized that despite Pingle’s deep commitment to national service, he believed in knowing when to withdraw.
The comment, widely interpreted as a subtle message, has reignited scrutiny over Prime Minister Modi’s political future. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut responded sharply said, “PM Modi forced leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Jaswant Singh to retire after they turned 75. Let’s see if he applies the same rule to himself now.”
Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi echoed the sentiment, criticizing what he described as selective application of retirement norms, “Preaching without practice is always dangerous. It is unprincipled that the Margdarshak Mandal was compulsorily retired using the 75-year age limit, yet the current leadership appears to exempt itself from the same standard.”
Raut had previously claimed that Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur earlier this year his first in more than a decade was potentially linked to discussions about his retirement. The BJP had firmly denied those claims at the time, stating the visit was routine.
However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had asserted in May 2023 that the BJP constitution does not impose a retirement age.
“Modi ji will continue to lead till 2029. There’s no truth to retirement rumours. The INDIA bloc won’t win elections by spreading lies,” Shah had stated.
Coincidentally, on the same day as Bhagwat’s remarks, Amit Shah spoke at another event, offering a glimpse into his own future aspirations. While not indicating a timeline, he expressed a desire to dedicate his post-political life to studying the Vedas, Upanishads, and practicing organic farming. Shah turned 60 this April.
The timing of Bhagwat’s comment is particularly notable, as both he and Modi were born in September 1950, Bhagwat on the 11th, Modi on the 17th further fueling speculation about potential leadership transitions within the broader Sangh Parivar.
