RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stirred a fresh political controversy when he stated that leaders “should retire at 75,” a remark quickly interpreted as a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will turn 75 in September 2025, reported The Hindu. Bhagwat’s comment has triggered broad speculation about retirement norms within India’s ruling establishment and raised questions about age, leadership renewal, and internal dynamics within the BJP and RSS.
Bhagwat made his remark at a book launch in Nagpur, quoting late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle. He explained that Pingle used to say the moment someone is felicitated with a shawl after turning 75, society is signaling that it’s time to step aside. Bhagwat emphasized that leaders, regardless of their achievements, must “make way for others” once they reach that age. The timing of his statement, coming just months before both he and Modi mark their 75th birthdays—Bhagwat on September 11, Modi on September 17—heightened the political charge.
The Congress party seized upon Bhagwat’s remarks to intensify its criticism of Modi’s prolonged tenure. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh quipped that both leaders should “pick up the bag and go,” pointing out that Bhagwat turns 75 six days before Modi. He implied that the rule should apply equally. Another senior Congress spokesperson accused the BJP and RSS of preaching rules they do not intend to follow themselves, citing that the party once forced senior leaders like L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Jaswant Singh into retirement after they crossed the age of 75.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut echoed the criticism, noting that Modi had urged Advani and others to retire but was now seemingly above the same standard. Raut suggested Bhagwat’s remark exposed internal conflicts between the RSS and BJP, raising the possibility of leadership tension as the party approaches the next general elections. Observers interpreted the comment as more than just a traditional stance; rather, it appeared to signal a subtle push for new leadership or at least create room for debate on succession planning.
However, several voices downplayed the controversy. A former RSS swayamsevak pointed out that precedent suggests the 75-year retirement norm only applies under certain circumstances, such as serious health concerns. Previous Sarsanghchalaks, including K.S. Sudarshan and Balasaheb Deoras, stepped down in their late seventies due to declining health. The source indicated that Bhagwat and Modi, both physically fit, were unlikely to step aside solely because of age.
Additional commentary came from an RSS watcher who recalled that Bhagwat had clarified five years earlier that Modi would be an exception to the retirement rule. The observer suggested that Bhagwat’s latest remark should be viewed as reinforcing the RSS’s influence within the BJP and reminding the larger fraternity that rules matter—even if exceptions are acknowledged.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who turned 60 in April and has spoken publicly about his own future plans involving spiritual pursuits, had already ruled out a retirement clause at 75 for BJP leaders. In May 2023, Shah asserted that Modi would continue as prime minister until 2029 and that the BJP constitution contains no mandatory age limit. That statement appears unchanged by the current debate.
Political analysts believe Bhagwat’s retirement remark reflects a broader tension over leadership transition and generational succession within India’s ruling groups. With general elections approaching, considerations of age and leadership continuity are increasingly in focus. Opposition parties argue that Bhagwat’s words expose double standards and highlight a need for transparent, consistent rules governing political tenure.
For now, Bhagwat and Modi remain firm on continuing in their roles past the age of 75. Internal discussions may continue behind closed doors, but public debate has already been triggered. Whether Bhagwat’s remark leads to institutional change or fades as a symbolic gesture will depend on party priorities and public reaction in the coming months.
Photo Credit: The Hindu
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