RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Remarks: “When You Turn 75, It Means You Should Stop Now”
“Here, both Bhagwat and Modi are physically fit and continue to serve effectively.”
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Remarks: “When You Turn 75, It Means You Should Stop Now”
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Remarks says leader should retire at 75 latest News: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at a book release event dedicated to late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle in Nagpur on Wednesday, said, “When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others.” This remark was reported by the Hindustan Times.
His statement is being interpreted by many as a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Modi will turn 75 this September.
According to the report, Bhagwat recalled that Pingle had a very humorous nature. He said, “Moropant Pingle once said that if you are honoured with a shawl after turning 75, it means that you should stop now — you are old; step aside and let others come in.”
He added that Moropant, despite his devotion to national service, believed in withdrawing gracefully once age signalled it was time.
The remark has stirred political debate.
“PM Modi forced 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,” Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said following Bhagwat’s remarks.
“Preaching without practice is always dangerous. It is unprincipled that the Margdarshak Mandal was given compulsory retirement by applying the 75-year age limit, but indications are clear that the current dispensation will be exempted from this rule,” Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said.
According to the Hindustan Times report, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously clarified in May 2023 that there is no retirement clause in the BJP’s constitution. “Modi ji will continue to lead till 2029,” he stated.
However, RSS watcher and former swayamsevak Dilip Deodhar told HT that “This debate will fade. Bhagwat had clarified five years ago that Modi would be an exception to the 75-year norm.”
It is also unclear whether Bhagwat himself will step down after turning 75 this September.
Earlier, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chiefs have stepped down only after their health deteriorated. A senior RSS swayamsevak who spoke to HT on condition of anonymity stated, “There’s a tradition in the Sangh. No Sarsanghchalak has stepped down unless physically unfit.”
Earlier RSS chiefs Rajju Bhaiyya and K.S. Sudarshan relinquished their posts only due to serious health concerns when they were 78 years old, and Balasaheb Deoras stepped down at 79 due to his frail health, the person told HT.
He added, “Here, both Bhagwat and Modi are physically fit and continue to serve effectively.”
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s comment is also seen as an indicator of a power struggle between the RSS and the BJP, a BJP leader told HT on the condition of anonymity.
It remains to be seen who steps down, as both Bhagwat and Modi turn 75 this year.
(For more news apart from RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Remarks: “When You Turn 75, It Means You Should Stop Now”, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)