Sanjay Raut Claims RSS Will Choose Modi's Successor

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut made waves by claiming that the RSS is gearing up to select Modi's successor. Speaking to reporters on March 31, 2025, Raut suggested that Modi, who is set to turn 75 in September, will be encouraged to retire in accordance with the BJP's unwritten rule regarding age.

Raut’s assertions came after Modi’s first visit to the RSS headquarters in over a decade, where he reportedly conveyed his intention to step down. “It seems that the RSS will decide the next leader, and that is why Modi was called,” Raut stated, emphasizing that the successor would likely hail from Maharashtra. He further claimed that the entire Sangh Parivar, led by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, is in favor of a leadership change.

“Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and the entire Sangh Parivar want a change in the country’s leadership. Now Modi’s term is over. The RSS now wants to have a presence in the country,” Raut added, implying that Modi's visit was a farewell to the organization. He criticized Modi for his recent comments about the RSS's role in India's freedom struggle, questioning its historical contributions. “The RSS was nowhere in the Indian freedom struggle. What was its contribution? Narendra Modi should take a briefing from us on this,” Raut remarked.

In contrast, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis quickly dismissed Raut’s claims. During a press conference, Fadnavis asserted that Modi would continue to lead the country for many more years, predicting, “In 2029, we will see Modi as the Prime Minister again.” He expressed that discussing succession while Modi is still active is inappropriate, likening it to Mughal culture. “In our culture, when the father is alive, it is inappropriate to talk about succession,” he said.

Fadnavis's comments were echoed by senior RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who stated that he was unaware of any discussions regarding Modi's replacement, reinforcing the notion that Modi remains the party's leader. “There is no need to search for his successor,” he said, emphasizing Modi's ongoing leadership.

Modi's visit to the RSS headquarters on March 30, 2025, marked a significant moment, as he became only the second sitting Prime Minister to do so, following Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit in 2000. During this visit, Modi paid tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and described the organization as the 'banyan tree' of India’s culture, highlighting its enduring values and service to the nation.

Raut's claims about Modi's retirement plans have drawn mixed reactions, with some opposition leaders supporting his viewpoint. A Congress leader remarked, “They retire people who cross 75 years. PM Modi is also ageing, so maybe they are thinking about retirement now.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about leadership transitions within the BJP as Modi approaches this significant age milestone.

As speculation mounts over Modi's future, the political landscape in India remains charged. Raut's assertions suggest a potential shift in leadership dynamics, while the BJP leadership, including Fadnavis and Joshi, firmly maintains that Modi will remain at the helm for the foreseeable future.

With Modi's 75th birthday approaching and the BJP gearing up for the 2024 elections, the party's leadership strategy will be closely watched. The outcome of these discussions within the RSS and the BJP could have lasting implications for India's political future.

As the RSS prepares to celebrate its centenary, the organization’s influence remains a critical factor in shaping the direction of Indian politics. The interplay between Modi's legacy and the RSS's aspirations for leadership change will undoubtedly be a focal point in the coming months.

In summary, while Raut's claims have stirred the pot regarding Modi's potential retirement, the official stance from the BJP suggests a commitment to continuity in leadership. The political narrative will likely evolve as the 2024 elections approach, with Modi's age and the RSS's role in leadership selection at the forefront of discussions.