Mohan Bhagwat’s ‘75 and Retire’ Comment Triggers Political Buzz Over PM Modi’s Future
Image Credit: PTI via The Hindu
RSS Chief’s Statement on Stepping Aside at 75 Fuels Speculation and Opposition Jibes
New Delhi – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has found himself at the centre of a political storm after remarks made at a book launch were interpreted as a veiled signal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 on September 17, 2025.
Speaking at the release of a book on senior RSS leader Moropant Pingle in Nagpur on July 9, Bhagwat recalled a moment from an earlier Sangh meeting in Vrindavan, where Pingle was felicitated for turning 75.
“You gave this shawl to me at the age of 75, but I know its meaning,” Bhagwat quoted Pingle as saying. “When a shawl is draped at the age of 75, it means you’ve grown old—now move aside, let us do it.”
Bhagwat noted Pingle’s humility in understanding the symbolism of the gesture, adding, “Everything was done with that feeling in mind for his pride, but he was careful not to get attached to that pride.”
Opposition Reacts: “Is This a Message for Modi?”
The comment, while seemingly anecdotal, ignited reactions across the political spectrum, especially from the Opposition Congress party.
Congress general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Poor award-winning Prime Minister! What a homecoming — reminded by the RSS chief upon return that he will turn 75 on September 17, 2025.”
Ramesh cheekily added that PM Modi might respond in kind, pointing out that Bhagwat himself will turn 75 on September 11, 2025 — “One arrow, two targets,” he said.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also joined the chorus, suggesting with sarcasm that “both Mr. Modi and Mr. Bhagwat can pick up their bags and guide each other.”
“He Retired Advani, Joshi – Will He Apply the Same Rule to Himself?”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut used the opportunity to highlight PM Modi’s political history, alleging that Modi had “forced senior leaders like L.K. 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,” Raut challenged.
RSS Denies Political Subtext: “Quote Taken Out of Context”
In response to the growing speculation, a senior RSS functionary denied any direct reference to PM Modi in Bhagwat’s remarks.
“Bhagwat ji never said anything on retirement age. He was just quoting an instance involving Mr. Pingle. His long speech included many such reflections and should not be taken out of context,” the official told The Hindu.
The RSS clarified that no message or suggestion regarding leadership transition was implied in the anecdote.
Not the First Time: Retirement at 75 Has a History in RSS
This is not the first time the issue of retirement age at 75 has surfaced within Sangh and BJP circles.
Former RSS chief K. S. Sudarshan, who retired at 78, had previously proposed that Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L.K. Advani retire at 75 to make way for the next generation. That precedent has informally shaped BJP’s leadership norms, with several leaders quietly stepping aside on reaching the milestone.
The Political Undertones: A Leadership Transition Debate?
Though Bhagwat’s comments were not directed at anyone by name, the timing and phrasing have sparked questions about the future leadership of the BJP and whether a post-Modi transition is being signalled from within the Sangh Parivar.
With PM Modi’s third term underway and the Lok Sabha election victory still fresh, observers believe this moment could become a flashpoint in the party's internal succession planning.
While PM Modi has made no public statement about his future beyond 2029, some political analysts say that if the RSS doubles down on the 75-year mark, the BJP will have to reckon with succession planning sooner than expected.
What Happens Next?
At present, there is no formal BJP rule that mandates retirement at 75. However, the ‘margdarshak mandal’, an advisory council created by the BJP in 2014, includes senior leaders who stepped down from active politics at that age.
Whether the same standard will be applied to Prime Minister Modi — the party’s most popular and dominant figure — remains a sensitive and speculative issue.
Key Takeaways
- RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks about leaders stepping aside at 75 have sparked speculation.
- Congress leaders hint it’s a subtle nudge aimed at PM Modi, who turns 75 in September 2025.
- RSS has denied the comment was aimed at anyone specific.
- Opposition leaders reminded Modi of how he sidelined BJP veterans on turning 75.
- No official retirement rule exists, but internal BJP precedent may apply pressure going forward.
