Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed speculation regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successor, asserting that Modi would continue leading the country beyond 2029, when the next Lok Sabha elections are scheduled.
Responding to claims by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut that Modi visited the RSS headquarters to convey his intent to retire, Fadnavis stated in Nagpur that Modi would remain Prime Minister even in 2029. Speaking separately in Nagpur, where the headquarters of the BJP’s ideological mentor, the RSS, is located, senior RSS leader Suresh ‘Bhaiyyaji’ Joshi mentioned that he was unaware of any discussions regarding a replacement for Modi. He added that discussing succession while a leader is still active is inappropriate in Indian culture. Fadnavis further commented that discussing succession while a leader is alive is against Indian traditions and likened it to Mughal culture, rejecting Raut’s claim that Modi’s successor would come from Maharashtra.
Sanjay Raut claimed that the RSS is seeking a change in the country’s political leadership. Modi, who is currently serving his third term as Prime Minister, turns 75 in September this year. Raut suggested that the RSS had reminded Modi of an unofficial “75-year norm” and that discussions regarding his successor had taken place behind closed doors. He further speculated that the successor, chosen by the RSS, could be from Maharashtra.
When asked about Raut’s claim that the RSS would select Modi’s successor from Maharashtra, Bhaiyyaji Joshi denied any knowledge of such discussions. Regarding Modi’s visit to Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir at the RSS headquarters, Joshi noted that the programs went well and that Modi’s commitment to service, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, was evident. He also emphasized that Modi’s visit to the site, where he laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya center building, had enhanced the institution’s stature.
Modi’s visit to Reshimbagh on the occasion of RSS founder K. B. Hedgewar’s birth anniversary was also appreciated. The RSS headquarters in the Mahal area and Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir at Reshimbagh are significant institutions for the Sangh, which is currently marking its 100th year of formation.
This was Modi’s first visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur since becoming Prime Minister 11 years ago. During his visit, he described the RSS as the “banyan tree” of India’s immortal culture. Modi became only the second sitting Prime Minister to visit the RSS headquarters, following the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who had visited the premises in 2000 during his third term as Prime Minister.
