Published on Masala Mirror | July 11, 2025

Nagpur, Maharashtra – Hold onto your chai, folks, because RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat just dropped a juicy bombshell that’s got the political grapevine buzzing! Speaking at a book launch in Nagpur on July 9, 2025, Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), made a cryptic remark that’s set tongues wagging: “When you turn 75, it means you should stop now and make way for others.” And guess what? Both Bhagwat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are hitting the big 7-5 in September 2025! Coincidence? We think not! 

The Statement That Shook the Saffron Brigade

At the launch of Moropant Pinglay: The Architect of Hindu Resurgence, Bhagwat quoted the late RSS ideologue Moropant Pingle, saying, “If you are honored with a shawl after turning 75, it means you are old; step aside and let others come in.” Oh, snap! With Bhagwat (born September 11, 1950) and Modi (born September 17, 1950) both nearing their diamond jubilee birthdays, the political corridors are abuzz with speculation. Is this a subtle jab at PM Modi? Or is Bhagwat hinting at his own retirement? Or—plot twist—both? 

The timing couldn’t be spicier. The RSS is gearing up for its grand 100th foundation day on September 27, 2025, and this comment has added a whole lot of masala to the celebrations. Insiders whisper that Bhagwat’s words might be a signal to shake things up in both the RSS and its ideological sibling, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Could this be the start of a leadership makeover? Let’s dive into the gossip!

Opposition’s Gossip Mill Goes Into Overdrive

The opposition didn’t waste a second to stir the pot. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a cheeky swipe on X, posting, “Poor award-seeking Prime Minister! On returning, he was reminded by the Sarsanghchalak that he will turn 75 on 17 September 2025. But wait, the PM can remind Bhagwat that he turns 75 on 11 September!” Ramesh’s post ended with a sly, “One arrow, two targets!” Ouch, that’s some serious shade! 

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, never one to miss a chance for drama, brought up the BJP’s so-called “75-year retirement rule.” Remember when senior leaders like LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were gently nudged out after hitting 75? Raut smirked, “Let’s see if Modi ji follows his own party’s rule now!” Meanwhile, Congress’s Pawan Khera went full savage mode, tweeting, “Now both of you pick up the bag and go guide each other!” Can we get some popcorn for this political roast? 

BJP and RSS: Damage Control or Denial?

The BJP, predictably, is scrambling to douse the flames. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, ever the loyal wingman, reiterated a 2023 statement: “Modi ji will lead till 2029, no retirement nonsense!” A senior BJP insider, speaking anonymously to Masala Mirror, claimed Bhagwat’s comment was “just philosophical musing, not a Modi takedown.” Sure, janab, but why does it feel like there’s more to this story? 

RSS sources are also trying to keep things chill. They point out that there’s no hard-and-fast rule for the Sarsanghchalak to retire at 75. Past RSS chiefs like Balasaheb Deoras stayed on till 79, and others only stepped down due to health issues. But here’s the tea: a source close to the RSS whispered to us that Bhagwat’s remark might be a way to “test the waters” for his own exit strategy. Is the RSS chief planning a grand farewell as the organization hits its centenary? Or is he nudging Modi to share the spotlight? The plot thickens!

The X Factor: Social Media Goes Wild

The internet, as always, is serving piping-hot reactions. X is flooded with memes and hot takes. One user quipped, “Bhagwat ji serving retirement notice to Modi ji like it’s a Diwali bonus cut!” Another posted, “If both Modi and Bhagwat retire, who’s running the show? Amit Shah or Yogi Adityanath? Place your bets!” A third user got philosophical: “Bhagwat’s just reminding us all to let the young guns shine. Respect!” The hashtag #RetireAt75 is trending, and we’re living for the drama! 

The Bigger Picture: Power Plays and Succession Games

Let’s spill some more chai. The RSS and BJP have always had a complex saas-bahu dynamic. While the RSS is the ideological backbone, the BJP runs the political show. Bhagwat’s comment could be a power move to remind the BJP who’s the real boss. With the RSS’s 100th anniversary around the corner, whispers of a leadership shake-up are getting louder. Names like Dattatreya Hosabale, the current RSS general secretary, are floating around as potential successors to Bhagwat. But who’s in line for Modi’s throne? Amit Shah? Yogi Adityanath? Or a dark horse like Devendra Fadnavis, who’s rumored to be eyeing the BJP president’s chair?

Speaking of the BJP presidency, J.P. Nadda’s term extension is another hot topic. Sources tell Masala Mirror that Nadda might stay on until after the RSS centenary, but the party’s looking for fresh blood. Fadnavis, despite his “I’m happy in Maharashtra” stance, is reportedly a frontrunner. Could Bhagwat’s remark be a nudge to speed up these transitions? We’re keeping our eyes peeled!

The Gossip That Keeps on Giving

Here’s where it gets extra juicy. A Nagpur-based political analyst dished to us that Bhagwat’s statement might be linked to internal RSS debates about “modernizing” the organization. Younger RSS cadres are pushing for a more dynamic leadership, and Bhagwat’s comment could be a way to signal openness to change—or to deflect pressure. Meanwhile, a BJP insider hinted that Modi’s camp is “not amused” by the remark, with some calling it “unnecessary interference.” Is there a cold war brewing between Nagpur and Delhi? Grab your binoculars, because this drama’s just getting started! 

What’s Next for the Saffron Duo?

As September 2025 looms, all eyes are on Bhagwat and Modi. Will the RSS chief walk the talk and step down, setting a precedent? Will Modi, the BJP’s biggest star, defy the “75 rule” and soldier on? Or will both leaders surprise us with a coordinated exit to usher in a new era? One thing’s for sure: the political tamasha is far from over.

For the latest gossip, spicy updates, and political scoops, keep it locked on Masala Mirror. We’ve got our ears to the ground and our pens ready for more masala!

Keywords: Mohan Bhagwat, Narendra Modi, RSS, BJP, retire at 75, political gossip, Nagpur, Moropant Pingle, leadership drama, RSS 100th anniversary, Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Devendra Fadnavis