RSS chief's retirement remark sparks buzz

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's remark on stepping aside at the age of 75 has prompted opposition politicians to question its implications for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, like Bhagwat, turns 75 this September.

- Pradip Kumar Maitra

Speaking at a book release event dedicated to late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle in Nagpur on Wednesday evening, Bhagwat said, “When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others.”

Bhagwat also recalled that Pingle’s nature was very humorous. “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,” Mohan Bhagwat recalled in his speech. He added that Moropant, despite his devotion to national service, believed in withdrawing gracefully once the age signalled it was time.

The remark, interpreted by many as a veiled message to PM Modi, has stirred a political debate. The Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut was quick to respond, stating, “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.”