Mao Keji | मुखर्जी
On July 9, Mohan Bhagwat, the supreme leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent organization of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), quoted the views of a late leader, stating that "at 75, one should stop working and make way for the younger generation." Given that both Bhagwat and Modi will turn 75 in September 2025, his remarks were immediately interpreted as a "subtle reference" to Modi. Opposition parties, including the Congress Party and Shiv Sena, seized the opportunity to weaponize the issue of age in an attempt to undermine Modi's image as a "long-term leader." It is notable that while the BJP does not have an official rule mandating retirement at 75, since 2014, several senior party figures, such as L.K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, have been moved to advisory roles. Thus, the age of 75 has come to be seen as an informal "retirement threshold." Meanwhile, ahead of the 2024 elections, there have been occasional frictions between the RSS and BJP over election strategy and personnel appointments, but organizational alignment has largely remained intact, with the RSS repeatedly clarifying that it has "no intention to intervene in the government." This controversy, although focused on the age of leadership, actually reflects the institutionalized rules within the BJP for non-hereditary power transitions. The BJP, relying on the RSS's grassroots organizational system, has systematically cultivated a younger leadership pipeline. The average age of the BJP president is just 51, and key state chief ministers are appointed at an average age of 49, which stands in stark contrast to the dynastic and family-based politics. Looking ahead, it will be important to observe whether the RSS and BJP implement symbolic adjustments, such as Bhagwat transitioning to an advisory role, or if the BJP announces new positions to decentralize power. If Modi takes no substantial action, the opposition will continue to highlight his "inconsistent rhetoric." If a succession plan is implemented early, there is a risk of internal party conflicts escalating and tensions between the BJP and RSS deepening.