NEW DELHI: Congress on Thursday took a sharp swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for “bending” the “retirement at the age of 75.”In a social media post on X, Congress MP Manickam Tagore said that the “famous 75-year retirement rule is not a principle, just a tool.””Advani ji at 75: “Rule is rule, step aside.” Murali Manohar Joshi ji at 75: “Rule is rule, retire gracefully.” Mohan Bhagwat ji at 75: Modi writes poetry on Wisdom & Trust,” he said. “So the famous 75-year retirement rule is not a principle, just a tool. Apply it to Advani ji & Joshi ji. Bend it for Bhagwat ji. Ignore it for Modi himself,” he added.He further said that PM Modi’s praise for Bhagwat is an “insurance policy” for himself.”This is not respect, this is sycophancy. A long essay in praise of Bhagwat ji is nothing but Modi’s insurance policy — a message to Nagpur: “Don’t apply 75 to me in 2025,” Tagore said.”The hypocrisy is breathtaking. For BJP founders → retirement. For Nagpur boss → celebration. For Modi → exemption. Principles are meant for all. But in Modi’s politics, principles are disposable. Convenience first, conscience never, ” he added. This comes after PM Modi heaped praises for Bhagwat on his 75th birthday, claiming that his tenure as RSS chief “will be considered the most transformative period” in the organisation’s 100-year journey.”Being sarsanghchalak is more than an organisational responsibility. Extraordinary individuals have defined this role through personal sacrifice, clarity of purpose and unshakable commitment to Maa Bharti. Mohan ji, in addition to doing full justice to the enormity of the responsibility, has also brought to it his own strength, intellectual depth and empathetic leadership, all of which is inspired by the principle of Nation First,” PM Modi said.”Broadly speaking, Bhagwat ji’s tenure will be considered the most transformative period in the 100-year journey of the RSS. From the change in uniform to the modifications in the shiksha vargs (training camps), several significant changes occurred under his leadership,” he added.Earlier, Bhagwat had put a final full stop to the speculation over PM Modi’s retirement as he is going to hit the age of 75 after his birthday this September.RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, while speaking at the event “100 Years Journey of Sangh – New Horizon” on Thursday, clarified ongoing speculation around retirement norms. He dismissed reports suggesting that he or anyone in the Sangh must step down upon reaching the age of 75.”No bar on a family person becoming RSS chief, but the person needs to devote all his time to the organisation. I never said I will retire or someone else should retire at 75 years,” RSS chief Bhagwat said.Over the past few years, the opposition has consistently criticised the BJP for its apparent policy of not fielding candidates older than 75.This stance was allegedly based on comments made by Shah prior to the 2019 Lok Sabha election, where he stated that it was his party’s decision not to give Lok Sabha poll tickets to those above 75 years of age, leading to veteran leaders like L K Advani and Murali Manohar Joshi missing out.
