RSS Chief Says Leaders Should Retire at 75, Congress Targets PM Modi with ‘Poor Prime Minister’ Dig

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said leaders should step aside at the age of 75, a remark that sparked a sharp political exchange as Congress leaders used it to take digs at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will turn 75 in September next year.

Speaking at a book release event in Nagpur, Bhagwat recalled the views of late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingley, saying that when the “shawl of 75 years is draped over one, it means that he has reached a certain age and should step aside and allow others to work.” Bhagwat’s comment comes at a time when both he and PM Modi are set to turn 75 in September, just six days apart.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at PM Modi, tweeting, “Poor award-winning Prime Minister! What a homecoming – reminded by the RSS chief upon return that he will turn 75 on September 17, 2025.” Ramesh further added that Modi could remind Bhagwat that he, too, will turn 75 on September 11, calling it “one arrow, two targets.”

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera also joined the attack, posting, “Now both of you pick up the bag and go guide each other,” in a sharp comment aimed at PM Modi and Bhagwat.

Bhagwat’s remark was made during the launch of the book Moropant Pinglay: The Architect of Hindu Resurgence in Nagpur, where he praised Pinglay’s humility, vision, and clarity in explaining complex ideas.

In March, PM Modi had visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur for the first time in several years, sparking speculation. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had claimed at the time that the visit was related to PM Modi’s possible retirement plans, alleging the RSS wanted a change in leadership. However, the BJP had dismissed these claims, stating the visit was routine.

Bhagwat’s comments have now reignited discussions around the BJP’s informal age cap of 75 years for holding key positions, a rule previously applied to leaders such as LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.

While the BJP has not officially reacted to Bhagwat’s latest remark, the Congress and opposition leaders are expected to continue using it to target PM Modi, especially as the Lok Sabha elections draw closer in 2029.

The remark has also triggered reactions on social media, with hashtags related to #Retirement and #75 trending on X, as users debate whether the RSS chief’s comments were a general guideline or a subtle nudge towards the top leadership within the BJP.