Mohan Bhagwat Clarifies: No 75-Year Retirement Rule in RSS Amid Speculation Over PM Modi’s Future

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed speculations about a 75-year age limit for retirement, particularly regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 in September 2025. Speaking at the “100 Years Journey of Sangh – New Horizon” event in New Delhi on August 28, 2025, Bhagwat clarified that he never stated he or anyone else should retire at 75. He emphasized that in the RSS, individuals are assigned tasks regardless of their age or personal preference, stating, “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 dismissed the notion of a fixed retirement age, noting that RSS members are expected to work as long as the organization requires, without retirement benefits. Bhagwat’s remarks were in response to earlier comments he made in July 2025, which some interpreted as suggesting leaders should step aside at 75, sparking speculation about Modi’s tenure. He clarified that those remarks referenced the late RSS leader Moropant Pingley’s witticism about being felicitated with a shawl at 75, not a directive for retirement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also supported this, stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no constitutional provision mandating retirement at 75, citing examples like 80-year-old minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.