On August 28, 2025, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi as part of the organization’s centenary celebrations, titled the “RSS Centenary Lecture Series.” During a two-and-a-half-hour question-and-answer session, Bhagwat unequivocally clarified that there is no mandatory retirement age of 75 in the RSS, dismissing widespread speculation that his earlier remarks were a subtle hint at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s potential retirement. Both Bhagwat and Modi are set to turn 75 in September 2025—Bhagwat on September 11 and Modi on September 17—fueling political debates about leadership transitions within the RSS and its ideological affiliate, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This event, marking the RSS’s 100th anniversary, covered a broad range of topics, including caste, education, patriotism, and RSS-BJP relations, but the retirement clarification stood out amid ongoing political chatter.
Bhagwat’s statements came as a direct response to interpretations of his July 2025 comments, which some viewed as advocating for leaders to step aside at 75. The clarification not only reaffirmed the RSS’s flexible approach to leadership but also highlighted the organization’s emphasis on duty over age, putting to rest rumors that could impact Modi’s third term as Prime Minister.
Background: The July Remarks and Rising Speculation
The controversy originated from Bhagwat’s remarks in July 2025 during a book launch event. He referenced a light-hearted comment by the late RSS leader Moropant Pingley, who jokingly said that at 75, one is felicitated with a shawl as a sign of respect, implying a time to make way for younger leaders. Bhagwat’s statement was: “One should make way for others after turning 75.” This was widely interpreted—particularly by opposition parties—as a veiled directive aimed at senior political figures, including PM Modi.
The timing amplified the speculation. With Modi approaching his 75th birthday, opposition leaders like those from the Congress party seized the opportunity, quipping that both Modi and Bhagwat should “pack their bags.” Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, had earlier claimed during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections that Modi would retire at 75, paving the way for Amit Shah to become Prime Minister—a claim Shah vehemently denied. Additionally, Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur in March 2025—his first in 11 years as PM—was seen by some, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, as a discussion about his successor, further stoking retirement rumors.
These interpretations were not limited to politics; they extended to internal BJP dynamics. Historical precedents, such as the sidelining of veteran leaders like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi after they crossed 75 during Modi’s first term, added fuel to the fire. However, BJP leaders have consistently maintained that no such formal rule exists in the party’s constitution.
Bhagwat’s Clarification: Key Quotes and Emphasis on Duty
In his August 28 address, Bhagwat firmly rejected the notion of a fixed retirement age, stating, “I never said I will retire or someone should retire. In Sangh, we are given a job, whether we want it or not. If I am 80 years old, and Sangh says go and run a ‘shakha’, I will have to do it.” He elaborated that RSS members, or swayamsevaks, operate without the concept of retirement benefits or personal preferences: “We do whatever the Sangh tells us to do. We are ready to retire or work, as long as the Sangh wants us to.”
Bhagwat explained that his July reference to Pingley’s witticism was not a policy statement but a humorous anecdote. “This is not about anyone’s retirement,” he stressed, adding that assignments in the RSS are dictated by organizational needs, not age. This directly addressed the speculation surrounding PM Modi, with Bhagwat asserting, “I never said that I or someone else should retire at 75,” putting to rest claims that he had suggested Modi or himself step down.
The RSS chief’s words underscored the organization’s unique work culture, where lifelong commitment trumps age limits. As one X post from Orissa POST Live noted, this ended speculation that his remarks targeted Modi, with both leaders turning 75 next month.
RSS Work Culture: No Retirement, Only Service
Bhagwat’s clarification highlighted the RSS’s ethos of selfless service. Founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS operates through daily ‘shakhas’ (branches) where volunteers engage in physical exercises, discussions, and ideological training. Leadership roles are assigned based on capability and need, not age or tenure. “In the Sangh, we are swayamsevaks… we are given a job, whether we want it or not,” Bhagwat reiterated.
This contrasts with corporate or governmental retirement norms, as RSS members receive no pensions or benefits upon “retiring.” Instead, they continue contributing until the organization deems otherwise. Bhagwat’s own tenure as Sarsanghchalak (chief) since 2009 exemplifies this, and his statements suggest he has no plans to step down voluntarily.
RSS-BJP Relations: Coordination Without Dictation
Beyond retirement, Bhagwat addressed the RSS-BJP dynamic, rejecting perceptions that the RSS controls the BJP. “We know how to run ‘shakhas’ and BJP knows how to run the government. We only give suggestions to each other,” he said. He acknowledged occasional “struggles” in coordination but emphasized “no quarrel,” adding that decisions are the BJP’s prerogative.
This came amid delays in appointing a new BJP president after JP Nadda’s term expired nearly two years ago. Bhagwat quipped, “If we were deciding, would it have taken so long? We don’t decide. Take your time.” He dismissed opposition claims of RSS interference, stating differences may exist but will converge over time.
Responses from BJP and Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been a key voice in debunking the 75-year rule. In May 2024, responding to Kejriwal’s claims, Shah said, “There is no provision regarding age, anywhere in the Constitution of the BJP.” He cited examples like 80-year-old Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi to illustrate that age is not a barrier in the party.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed this, predicting Modi would lead again in 2029. The BJP has repeatedly affirmed no constitutional mandate for retirement at 75, viewing it as an electoral strategy from 2019 rather than a hard rule.
Opposition Reactions and Broader Implications
Opposition parties have used the issue to question Modi’s longevity. Congress leaders mocked the “pack their bags” narrative post-Bhagwat’s July remarks, while Raut speculated Modi’s Nagpur visit was for a “retirement application.” However, Bhagwat’s clarification may dampen such rhetoric.
The episode underscores tensions in India’s political landscape, where RSS influence on BJP is often scrutinized. For Modi, whose leadership has been central to BJP’s successes, the non-issue of retirement reinforces his position amid preparations for future elections.
Conclusion
Mohan Bhagwat’s August 28, 2025, clarification has effectively quashed rumors of a 75-year retirement rule in the RSS, emphasizing duty and organizational needs over age. By addressing speculations head-on, particularly those involving PM Modi, Bhagwat has reaffirmed the RSS’s apolitical yet influential role. As the RSS enters its second century, this episode highlights its enduring principles of service and adaptability, while signaling stability in RSS-BJP ties. With no formal barriers, Modi’s future appears secure, focusing attention back on governance rather than succession.
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