RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said leaders should step aside at 75, drawing a jibe from the Congress, who speculated about his remark’s application to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both PM Modi and Bhagwat will turn 75 in September, with their birthdays being six days apart.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a barb at PM Modi, following his return from a five-nation tour – his longest diplomatic mission so far. “Poor award-winning Prime Minister! What a homecoming – reminded by the RSS chief upon return that he will turn 75 on September 17, 2025,” he tweeted.

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Ramesh further wrote that the Prime Minister, however, could also remind the RSS chief that he too will turn 75 on September 11. “One arrow, two targets,” his post on the micro-blogging site read.

Ramesh’s collague Pawan Khera also took a jibe at PM Modi following Bhagwat’s remark. “Now both of you pick up the bag and go guide each other,” his tweet, roughly translated from Hindi, read.

Mohan Bhagwat made the remark during a book release event dedicated to late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingley in Nagpur. The RSS chief specifically referred to Pingley’s comments 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 work.

Bhagwat released the book, Moropant Pinglay: The Architect of Hindu Resurgence, and recalled the RSS leader’s humility, vision, and unique ability to explain complex ideas in lucid language.

In March, PM Modi visited the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, his first in several years. At the time, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that the visit was for the Prime Minister to announce his retirement. “As per my knowledge, he has never visited the RSS headquarters in 10 to 11 years. RSS wants change in leadership. PM Modi is now leaving,” Raut said.

The BJP, however, denied it and said it was a routine visit.

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Published By: sharangee Published On: Jul 11, 2025