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Mohan Bhagwat said that he never spoke of retiring from Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and is willing to run a shakha even at 80 if needed.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. (File image/PTI)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat clarified that he had never proposed a retirement age of 75, responding to a CNN-News18 question on whether the organisation believed those in constitutional posts should step down at that age. He said he had never suggested retirement for himself or anyone else, adding that he was prepared to continue serving the Sangh even into his eighties if required.
He said, “I never said I will retire or someone should retire. If Sangh wants me to run a shakha at 80 years of age, I will.”
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His clarification comes after a political row over remarks made in July at a book launch in Nagpur, where he recalled an RSS meeting in which senior leader Moropant Pingle was felicitated at the age of 75. Mohan Bhagwat had recounted Moropant Pingle’s reflection that such an honour signified growing old and the need to step aside for others.
He then said, “When a shawl is draped at the age of 75, it means you have grown old, just move aside, let us do it.”
Opposition leaders quickly linked the comments to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turns 75 next year. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh suggested they served as a reminder of the Prime Minister’s age while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut alleged that PM Modi had previously sidelined senior BJP leaders after they crossed 75 and should apply the same standard to himself.
About the Author
Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa…Read More
Madhuparna Das, Associate Editor (policy) at CNN News 18, has been in journalism for nearly 14 years. She has extensively been covering politics, policy, crime and internal security issues. She has covered Naxa… Read More
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