In the intricate theatre of Indian politics, a few words from a certain Nagpur-based leader can send shockwaves through the corridors of power in Delhi. Recently, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat did just that. In a seemingly off-the-cuff remark, he dismissed the existence of a "75-year retirement rule" within the Sangh Parivar—a rule that had long been considered gospel truth, used to sideline veteran BJP leaders like L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.
This wasn't just a historical clarification; it was a political statement loaded with implication. The comment instantly ignited a new debate: If there is no hard rule, what does it mean for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is 74 and steering the BJP towards the 2024 general elections? Is the BJP, under RSS guidance, preparing for a succession plan? Or does this signal Modi’s unchallenged reign will continue beyond the perceived age barrier?
This blog delves into the nuances of this development, unpacking the delicate, often enigmatic, power dynamic between the ideological mentor, the RSS, and its political progeny, the BJP.
For years, the so-called "75-year rule" was the BJP's unspoken organisational linchpin. It wasn't ever a written clause in the party constitution but a fiercely enforced convention. Its most dramatic application came in 2014, just as the Modi wave was cresting. Founding fathers of the party, L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, were moved to a ‘Margdarshak Mandal’ (guidance committee)—a body that famously never met. It was a political retirement, justified by this age norm.
The rule served multiple purposes:
2. It centralised power, eliminating potential centres of dissent from the old guard.
3. It projected discipline, showcasing the BJP as a party that prioritised organisation over individual ambition.
An Affirmation of Modi’s Indispensability: The most straightforward reading is that the RSS is publicly blessing Modi’s continuation beyond the age of 75. At a time where the BJP faces a united opposition bloc and seeks a third consecutive term, Modi remains its tallest leader, its chief campaigner, and its biggest vote-getter. The RSS, which ultimately desires a polity that aligns with its ideology, would not want to destabilise its most successful political project. This comment effectively silences any nascent internal chatter about leadership change based on age.
2.A Reassertion of RSS Authority: By clarifying the rule’s non-existence, Bhagwat is subtly reminding everyone—both within the BJP and outside—where the ultimate authority lies. It was the RSS's norm, and it is the RSS that can choose to enforce it or waive it. This reinforces the Sangh’s role as the supreme ideological compass that can guide, nudge, and occasionally overrule the political wing. It’s a message that the BJP’s political pragmatism must still operate within the broader framework of the Sangh’s long-term vision.Managing Perception and Legacy: The sidelining of veterans like Advani was often criticised as harsh and ungrateful. By reframing the past, the RSS may be attempting to soften the BJP’s image, suggesting it was not a cold-hearted enforcement of rules but a necessary organisational evolution. This helps manage historical narratives and legacy.
- Electoral Supremacy: He has led the party to two massive majority governments and expanded its footprint across India.
- Popular Connect: His personal popularity consistently dwarfs that of his party and any potential rival.
- Centralised Decision-Making: Key decisions flow from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), with the party organisation acting as an execution arm.
The RSS thinks in decades, not electoral cycles. While fully backing Modi for 2024, the Sangh is undoubtedly conscious of the need for long-term succession planning. The focus is likely less on replacing Modi and more on nurturing the next line of leadership—figures like Home Minister Amit Shah, who is a formidable organiser, and others who can carry the ideological torch forward.
Bhagwat’s comment gives the RSS maximum flexibility. It allows them to:
- Keep Modi at the helm for as long as he is electorally effective.
- Avoid being boxed in by a self-created rule when managing future transitions.
- Judge future leaders on their utility, loyalty, and alignment with Sangh ideology, not just their birth certificate.
Mohan Bhagwat’s clarification has indeed opened a debate, but perhaps not the one about Modi’s immediate future. That seems more secure than ever. Instead, it has reopened a conversation about the nature of power within the Sangh Parivar.
It highlights that the RSS-BJP relationship is not one of direct command but of subtle influence and mutual interest. The RSS provides the ideological ballast and grassroots manpower; the BJP delivers political power and governance. For this symbiosis to work, the Sangh must occasionally step in to adjust the sails.
The dismissal of the 75-year rule is one such adjustment. It is a testament to Modi’s unique position, a reassertion of RSS authority, and a strategic move to keep all options open for the future. In the great chess game of Indian politics, the Sangh has just played a move that protects its king while keeping the entire board under its watchful gaze. The game, far from being over, has just entered a new, fascinating phase.
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