The RSS chief’s comments have caused a stir in political circles, particularly in light of the BJP’s history of retiring leaders at 75
NAGPUR — RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s assertion that people should retire from public life after attaining the age of 75 has caused consternation in the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and delighted the opposition.
Bhagwat’s remarks at a function on Wednesday during the launch of a biography titled Moropant Pingale: The Architect of Hindu Resurgence in Nagpur, are being viewed as a subtle suggestion for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hang up his boots and pave the way for others in September this year when he turns 75.
Narrating an anecdote from an RSS meeting in Vrindavan, Bhagwat recalled a moment when the late Moropant Pingale, upon being felicitated on his 75th birthday, remarked that the gesture signified a respectful nudge to step aside. Quoting Pingale, Bhagwat said, “You gave me a shawl at 75, but I know what that means. When someone is felicitated at 75, it means: now your time is up, now step aside and let us do the work.”
He also said that though the moment was filled with respect, Pingale ensured he did not get attached to the honour, choosing instead to pave the way for others.
The RSS chief’s assertion has sparked a flutter in political circles, especially given the BJP’s past precedent of retiring leaders after they crossed the age of 75. Leaders like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were moved to the Margdarshak Mandal in 2014, after Modi took over as prime minister. However, the BJP has dismissed any connection between Bhagwat’s comments and the current leadership, stating that the anecdote was historical in nature and should not be linked to any individual.
Despite the clarification, Bhagwat’s words have ignited discussions within both political and Sangh circles, with many wondering if a generational shift may be on the cards within the saffron fold. While there has been no official indication of any such development, the timing of the statement and its delivery have added fuel to ongoing speculation.
Opposition leaders lapped up the RSS chief’s remarks, with many of them viewing Bhagwat’s statement as a message aimed at the prime minister.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut remarked, “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 added, “Preaching without practice is always dangerous. It is unprincipled that the Margdarshak Mandal was given compulsory retirement applying the 75 years age limit, but indications are clear that the current dispensation will be exempted from this rule.”
Taking to social media platform X, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called Modi a “poor award-winning prime minister!” and said, “what a homecoming- reminded by the RSS chief upon return that he will turn 75 on September 17, 2025. But the prime minister could also tell the RSS chief that he too will turn 75 on September 11, 2025!”
Congress leader Pawan Khera also said that both PM Modi and Bhagwat should “pick up their bags” and leave the office. “Now both of you pick up the bag and go guide each other,” Khera said.
Despite the speculation, the BJP has maintained that Modi will continue to lead the government. In May 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had clarified, “Modi ji will continue to lead till 2029. There’s no truth in retirement rumours.”
Interestingly, on the same day that Bhagwat made his remarks, Amit Shah, at a separate event, spoke about his own post-retirement plans. “I would like to dedicate my time to the Vedas, Upanishads, and organic farming,” said Shah, who turned 60 this April.
