Leaders Should Retire At 75: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Mohan Bhagwat has reignited the debate on the retirement age of politicians after claiming that people should hang their boots at 75.

Bhagwat, who also turns 75 this year, made these remarks during a book release event in Nagpur on Thursday.

After unveiling the book 'Moropant Pinglay: The Architect of Hindu Resurgence,’ Bhagwat reminisced about Pingle's belief that receiving a shawl after turning 75 signifies it's time to retire and allow others to take over. Despite his dedication to national service, Moropant believed in stepping aside gracefully when age dictated it was appropriate.

Opposition Targets PM Modi

Some opposition leaders interpret Bhagwat's comments as an indirect message to PM Modi. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut remarked, "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." Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi added that preaching without practising is dangerous and unprincipled.

This isn't the first instance where Raut has stirred debate on PM Modi's retirement. In March, he claimed Modi's visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur was to discuss his potential successor's retirement. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied these speculations.

BJP's Stance on Retirement

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed Raut's claims, stating there is no need to search for PM Modi's successor as he will continue in his role until 2029. Fadnavis emphasised that discussing succession while a leader is alive is inappropriate and likened it to Mughal culture.

The timing of Bhagwat’s statement is noteworthy as both he and PM Modi were born in September 1950—Bhagwat on September 11 and Modi on September 17. Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in May 2024, speculations arose about whether PM Modi would retire upon turning 75 in September 2025.

No Official Retirement Clause

This policy has been around for several years, with Amit Shah stating in 2019 that no candidates above the age of 75 would be fielded by the party. However, Shah clarified in May 2023 that there is no retirement clause in the BJP’s constitution.

"Modi ji will continue to lead till 2029," Shah said.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah in another event has claimed that he wants to dedicate time to study the Vedas and Upanishads along with organic farming, according to a report in Hindustan Times. However, the 60-year-old Union Home Minister did not mention when he wants to retire from politics.