Mohan Bhagwat’s 75-Year Comment Ignites Political Speculation Over Modi’s Role
In a seemingly reflective moment during a book launch in Nagpur, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat made a comment that may have just cracked open a deeper conversation within India’s political circles. “When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others,” he said, referencing late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle. And while the words were delivered with reverence, their political implications are proving difficult to ignore.
Bhagwat’s remark came as both he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi approach their 75th birthdays in September 2024. The timing is raising eyebrows—and questions. Is the RSS chief signaling a broader transition, or simply quoting tradition? Either way, several opposition leaders aren’t staying quiet.
Timeline of Events
- September 2024: Both Mohan Bhagwat and PM Modi turn 75.
- March 2024: PM Modi visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, prompting speculation about discussions on succession or retirement.
- May 2023: Amit Shah publicly dismissed rumors about Modi stepping down.
- July 2024: Bhagwat reiterates age-based retirement idea during a book launch event.
Official Statements
While Bhagwat’s words seemed grounded in tradition, many see them carrying a nuanced message. He recalled that RSS veteran Moropant Pingle believed, with subtle humor, that receiving honors like a shawl after 75 was symbolic of one’s time being up.
“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,” Bhagwat said.
He added, “It means you should stop now and make way for others.” Hearing that from the highest-ranking leader in the RSS, as both he and the prime minister approach that age, stirred an immediate political response.
Congress’ Abhishek Singhvi didn’t mince words: “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 current dispensation will be exempted from this rule.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut echoed the sentiment, suggesting this is a test of Modi’s commitment to the norms he once endorsed: “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.”
Community Response
Political watchers and commentators wasted no time weighing in. Some interpreted Bhagwat’s words as a push toward internal renewal within the Hindu nationalist organization and beyond. Others say it was simply honoring a legacy figure like Moropant Pingle.
Dr Shrinivas Khandewale, a former professor and economist, finds the statement to carry significant weight. “There is no age bar for the RSS chief unless he steps down voluntarily. But in Modi’s case, the retirement norm was set by the BJP itself.”
Yet, not everyone is convinced the remark is a call for immediate change. Political observer and former swayamsevak Dilip Deodhar noted that this entire debate might be blown out of proportion. “Bhagwat had clarified five years ago that Modi would be an exception to the 75-year norm,” he said. “An exception proves the rule.”
An unnamed senior RSS member provided historical context: “No sarsanghchalak has stepped down unless physically unfit. Balasaheb Deoras, Rajju Bhaiyya, and K S Sudarshan all retired only due to serious health concerns. Both Bhagwat and Modi are physically fit and continue to serve effectively.”
Inside the BJP-RSS Dynamics
So, could this all just be part of a deeper tug-of-war between the BJP and the RSS?
According to a BJP insider speaking anonymously, the remark may highlight ongoing power negotiations—particularly with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming. “This is also about who will lead the party next,” the person said, hinting at internal deliberations on the next BJP president.
Meanwhile, Amit Shah, arguably one of the key decision-makers in the BJP, addressed future plans only cryptically. On the same day as Bhagwat’s remarks, he said, “I would like to dedicate my time to the Vedas, Upanishads and organic farming,” but gave no timeline for that retirement dream.
At 60, Shah appears to be paving a narrative of spiritual retreat—eventually, not imminently. And with Bhagwat’s statement on everyone’s radar, such declarations get read between the lines more than ever before.
Symbolism vs. Signal
Now, whether Bhagwat’s speech was subtly loaded or just nostalgic is tough to say with certainty. The setting was a book launch, not a closed-door meeting. And yet, when someone in Bhagwat’s position speaks, people listen. Or rather, they dissect.
This isn’t the first time such musings have echoed into controversy. Sharma, a political science professor in Pune, tells us, “This entire episode rests on ambiguity. Words matter, sure—but the context they’re said in matters more. It could be a call for change or simply a moment of reflection.”
What’s Next?
Will Prime Minister Modi step aside after turning 75? History suggests it’s unlikely, at least not before 2029—a timeline Amit Shah has already underlined. BJP insiders insist Modi remains the face of the party in the lead-up to the national elections.
Meanwhile, Bhagwat hasn’t followed up on his comment. No statement further clarifies whether he was suggesting a shift at the highest levels of political power or just musing about age and leadership—as Moropant Pingle once did.
Either way, the remark added fuel to old questions. About age. About leadership renewal. About consistency. And somewhere amid those questions lies the growing curiosity among both supporters and critics—who will step aside, and when?
With two birthdays approaching and a seismic election on the horizon, one thing is certain: these conversations aren’t going away.
