Will Prime Minister Narendra Modi retire at age of 75? Mohan Bhagwat clarifies earlier stand

NEW DELHI: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had earlier stirred a controversy with his remark that leaders should retire at the age of 75. Following this, opposition parties, including the Congress, questioned whether Narendra Modi would retire at 75. Mohan Bhagwat has now clarified that he never said that Modi would retire.

“Neither I nor anyone else said that someone would retire. A person continues as long as the organisation needs them,” Bhagwat said. He also added that there is no rift between the RSS and the BJP. He was addressing the media as part of the RSS centenary celebrations.

“I have been leading the RSS for years. The BJP leads the government. So, we can only give advice, not make decisions,” he said. On the question of the BJP choosing a new president, he added, “The BJP can take as much time as it wants to decide on its new chief. RSS has no say in that.”

Bhagwat also said the RSS maintains good relations not only with the central government but also with all state governments. He pointed out that various organisations within the Sangh Parivar function independently, and it is not possible for everyone to have the same opinion. “The RSS can give suggestions on various matters, but the final decision is always the BJP’s,” he said, stressing that the RSS does not interfere in governance or political appointments.