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EYE ON INDIA SEPTEMBER 05, 2025 | The Indian Eye 6

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Ends Speculation

on Rift with BJP, Clears Air on Modi’s Future

At the RSS centenary celebrations, Bhagwat stressed unity, transparency, and independence

of decisions, dismissing claims of Sangh interference in BJP leadership choices.

OUR BUREAU
New Delhi
t a moment when speculation over tensions
between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
A(RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
had become a matter of political chatter, RSS chief
Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday firmly put all doubts
to rest. Speaking on the third day of the RSS cente-
nary celebrations in Delhi, Bhagwat dismissed sug-
gestions that the Sangh dictates the BJP’s leader-
ship decisions, including the party president’s post
and retirement norms for leaders.
“It is absolutely wrong to say that the RSS de-
cides everything. We can give advice, but decisions
are made in that field itself. If we were deciding,
would it take so long? Take your time,” Bhagwat
said in an unambiguous response to repeated ques-
tions about whether the Sangh plays a role in de-
ciding the BJP president.
The remarks come against the backdrop of
speculation about the BJP’s internal discussions on
succession, including the oft-quoted but never offi-
cially codified “75-year retirement rule” that polit- Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat with General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale and others stand for the Na-
ical observers believed could apply to Prime Min- tional song during a question-and-answer session as part of the RSS’ three-day lecture series on ‘100 years of Sangh journey’,
ister Narendra Modi, who is 74. Bhagwat’s words
signaled that the RSS has no such prescriptions for in New Delhi on Thursday (ANI Photo/Ishant Chauhan)
BJP leaders, undercutting opposition claims that
Modi’s leadership may face pressure from within. The centenary event itself became a platform as a reaffirmation of Modi’s position as the central
“We may have differences of opinion, but not not just for clarifications but also for affirmations figure in the BJP, without any imminent threat of
differences of hearts,” Bhagwat said, underscoring of the RSS’s enduring role in Indian public life. enforced retirement or change at the helm.
the alignment of vision between the BJP and its Prominent figures ranging from yoga guru Ramdev Analysts believe the timing of Bhagwat’s in-
ideological parent. By drawing a clear distinction to BJP leaders like Manoj Tiwari praised Bhag- tervention is significant. Over the past few months,
between dialogue and diktat, Bhagwat attempted wat’s address. murmurs about succession had grown louder, with
to clarify the Sangh’s advisory role and end specu- Ramdev described the RSS as a nationalist or- opposition leaders seizing upon them to suggest a
lation that its hand extends deep into BJP’s organi- ganization “connected to its roots and building a leadership crisis within the ruling party. By clarify-
zational matters. new narrative for India to enrich itself educationally, ing that “RSS does not decide everything,” Bhag-
Bhagwat also reminded the audience that op- culturally, financially, socially, religiously and politi- wat has not only shielded the BJP from political
position to the RSS is not new, and yet bridges of cally while walking on the principle of self-reliance.” attacks but also reasserted the independence of its
understanding have often been built over time. Tiwari called the celebrations “an eye-opener decision-making process.
“Initially, Jayaprakash Narayan was against the regarding the big works done by RSS and how it The centenary celebrations mark the begin-
RSS, but later he came closer to us. Those who stood tall amid all difficulties.” Other dignitaries, ning of a year-long series of programmes across
seek our help for good work receive it, while those including Union Minister SP Singh Baghel and India, during which Bhagwat is expected to contin-
who keep away don’t. What can we do?” he said. Paralympic Committee of India president Deepa ue his outreach. His emphasis on dialogue, service,
To illustrate this, Bhagwat narrated an incident Malik, lauded the organization’s message of uni- and clean leadership sets the tone for the organiza-
from his days as a pracharak in Nagpur, when the ty and patriotism. Malik said she was leaving the tion as it steps into its second century.
National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) held a event inspired: “Matbhed ka arth manbhed nahi For now, the immediate political takeaway re-
convention with 30,000 participants but failed to ho sakta (differences of opinion cannot mean dif- mains clear: Mohan Bhagwat has ended specula-
arrange food. “Plates were thrown, chaos broke ferences of heart).” tion about any RSS pressure on Modi or the BJP
out, and fights happened in the market. Eventual- By directly addressing questions about leader- over leadership changes. In doing so, he has rein-
ly, a call came from the local Congress MP, and we ship decisions, Bhagwat has effectively punctured forced the image of continuity, stability, and shared
took over the mess arrangements to resolve their the narrative of discord between the RSS and BJP purpose between the Sangh and its political arm,
issue,” he recalled, suggesting that RSS service at a crucial political juncture. With general elec- ensuring that the BJP enters the next election cycle
transcends political boundaries. tions on the horizon, his remarks are being read with clarity on the question of leadership.

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