New Delhi, July 11 — A seemingly philosophical remark by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has triggered a wave of political commentary and speculation, particularly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is set to turn 75 in September 2025.
Speaking at a book launch event on Wednesday, Bhagwat referenced a long-standing RSS tradition and said, “When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others.” Citing the words of late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle, he added, “Moropant once said that if you are honoured with a shawl after turning 75, it means you should stop now, you are old, step aside and let others come in.”
Bhagwat’s statement, delivered without naming anyone, was swiftly seized upon by the Opposition as a veiled message for the prime minister. Notably, both Bhagwat and Modi will celebrate their 75th birthdays in September 2025—Bhagwat on the 11th and Modi on the 17th.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh reacted with biting sarcasm. “Poor award-seeking Prime Minister! What a homecoming this is—on returning, he was reminded by the Sarsanghchalak that he will turn 75 on 17 September 2025,” he said in a post. “But the Prime Minister can also tell the Sarsanghchalak that—he too will turn 75 on 11 September 2025! One arrow, two targets!”
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut echoed the sentiment, recalling how Modi had enforced retirement on BJP stalwarts after they crossed the 75-year threshold. “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,” Raut remarked.
Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi weighed in, criticising the inconsistency. “Preaching without practice is always dangerous. It is unprincipled that the Margdarshak Mandal was given compulsory retirement applying the 75-year age limit, but indications are clear that the current dispensation will be exempted from this rule,” he said.
Despite the political noise, the BJP leadership has consistently denied any suggestion that Modi will step aside after turning 75. In May 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated categorically, “Modi ji will continue to lead until 2029. There’s no truth in retirement rumours.”
Coincidentally, on the same day Bhagwat made his comments, Shah reflected on his own future during a separate public interaction. “I would like to dedicate my time to the Vedas, Upanishads, and organic farming,” said Shah, who turned 60 this April.
With Bhagwat’s words still echoing in the political corridors, the debate over age, leadership, and legacy within the BJP’s ideological fold appears far from over.
