New Delhi – RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat used the RSS 100 Years Celebration platform to clarify his previous statement about retiring at 75 years of age, which was widely interpreted as a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at a press conference during the RSS 100 Years Celebration events in New Delhi on Thursday, Bhagwat explained that his earlier comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.
The RSS 100 Years Celebration has provided an opportunity for the organization’s leadership to address various questions about succession planning and organizational structure. During this significant milestone event, Bhagwat responded to pre-submitted questions that specifically mentioned how his statement “was seen as a reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” though the RSS chief did not directly name Modi in his response.
The RSS 100 Years Celebration events have highlighted the organization’s approach to leadership transitions and the principles guiding RSS workers throughout their careers. Bhagwat’s clarification during the RSS 100 Years Celebration demonstrates the organization’s commitment to addressing public misconceptions about its statements and intentions.
Historical Context Behind the Statement
During the RSS 100 Years Celebration press conference, Bhagwat explained that his original statement was a reference to senior Sangh leader Moreshwar Nilkanth Pingle, known as ‘Moropant.’ The RSS chief clarified that he was quoting a witticism by this respected leader about how receiving a ceremonial shawl at 75 should prompt thoughts of retirement.
“At the Sangh function in Nagpur, I was quoting a witticism by Moropant ji about how when someone gives you a ceremonial shawl at 75, you should think of retirement,” Bhagwat explained during the RSS 100 Years Celebration event. He emphasized that this was not a direct statement about anyone’s retirement but rather a reference to organizational wisdom passed down through RSS traditions.
The RSS 100 Years Celebration has served as a platform to honor such historical figures and their contributions to the organization’s philosophy and approach to leadership succession. This context became crucial in understanding Bhagwat’s original remarks and their intended meaning within RSS traditions.
Organizational Philosophy on Leadership
The RSS 100 Years Celebration events have showcased the organization’s unique approach to leadership and service. Bhagwat emphasized that RSS workers are ready to retire anytime in life and equally prepared to work as long as the Sangh requires their services. This philosophy, highlighted during the RSS 100 Years Celebration, reflects the organization’s commitment to selfless service over personal ambitions.
“We (RSS workers) are ready to retire anytime in life and we are ready to work as long as Sangh wants us to work,” Bhagwat stated during the RSS 100 Years Celebration press conference. He explained that RSS workers cannot claim retirement benefits or demand specific positions, as the organization operates on principles of service rather than personal gain.
The RSS 100 Years Celebration discussions revealed that even at 35, an RSS worker must accept any assignment given by the organization. This discipline and commitment, emphasized throughout the RSS 100 Years Celebration events, distinguish the RSS approach to organizational management and leadership development.
Succession Planning and Qualified Leadership
During the RSS 100 Years Celebration, Bhagwat addressed questions about succession planning within the organization. He revealed that while serving as Sarsanghchalak, “there are at least 10 people” qualified for the position present in the same hall. This statement during the RSS 100 Years Celebration highlighted the organization’s depth of leadership talent.
The RSS 100 Years Celebration provided insights into how the organization approaches leadership transitions. Bhagwat explained that these qualified individuals are currently too busy with valuable contributions to be spared for the chief’s role, and he was selected because he “can be spared.” This pragmatic approach, discussed during the RSS 100 Years Celebration, reflects the organization’s focus on optimal resource utilization.
Political Implications and Congress Response
The RSS 100 Years Celebration events occurred amid political speculation about the significance of Bhagwat’s earlier comments. Prime Minister Modi, who began as a full-time RSS worker in his late teens before joining the BJP, will turn 75 on September 17, while Bhagwat reaches that age a week earlier.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh had responded to the original statement with commentary suggesting that Bhagwat was sending signals to Modi, posting about “one arrow, two targets” regarding both leaders approaching 75. The RSS 100 Years Celebration clarification aimed to dispel such political interpretations.
RSS-BJP Relationship Dynamics
The RSS 100 Years Celebration also addressed questions about the relationship between RSS and BJP, particularly regarding leadership decisions. When asked whether RSS decides BJP leadership, including the ongoing extension of JP Nadda as party chief, Bhagwat responded pragmatically during the RSS 100 Years Celebration events.
“We do not decide that… If we were deciding, would it have taken so long?” he questioned during the RSS 100 Year Celebration press conference. This response clarified the boundaries between RSS organizational decisions and political party leadership choices.
The RSS 100 Year Celebration discussions emphasized that while RSS and BJP may have differences of opinion, they share common objectives. This clarification during the RSS 100 Year Celebration events helps define the relationship between the ideological parent organization and its political affiliate, demonstrating both independence and alignment in their respective roles within the broader Sangh ecosystem.
