RSS Chief’s ‘Retire at 75’ Call Fuels Speculation Over Modi’s Future

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has reignited debate over leadership succession by declaring at a book-release event in Nagpur that “when you turn 75, you should stop now and make way for others.” The comment, delivered on 9 July, referred to late Sangh ideologue Moropant Pingley but was widely interpreted as a statement of principle for public office holders. The timing is politically sensitive: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach the age of 75 on 17 September 2025, and the Bharatiya Janata Party has previously applied an informal retirement age of 75 to several senior leaders. Bhagwat himself will also turn 75 in September next year, adding to speculation over whether the guideline might be enforced within both the RSS and the BJP. Opposition figures swiftly seized on the remark. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh quipped that Modi’s homecoming from an overseas trip was marked by a reminder of his impending milestone age, while Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmaker Priyanka Chaturvedi said the statement made tensions between the RSS and the BJP “evident.” Neither the Prime Minister’s Office nor the BJP leadership has responded to the comments, and the RSS has not issued any clarification. The discussion comes as the BJP grapples with a reduced majority in the June general election, heightening attention on internal succession planning ahead of the next electoral cycle.