Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday put an end to speculations whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would step down after he turns 75 next month, as per the organisation's policy.
Addressing presspersons in New Delhi on Thursday, the RSS chief asserted that he never said anyone should "retire" at 75. Bhagwat, who would also turn 75 next month, added he is not planning to retire either.
"We are ready to retire anytime in life and ready to work as long as Sangh wants us to work," Bhagwat said. The RSS had organised a three-day lecture series in Delhi as part of the Hindutva organisation's centenary celebrations.
On retiring at 75 years, Bhagwat said he was quoting late RSS leader Moropant Pingle, highlighting the late leader's witticism. "He was so witty that his witticism made you bounce in your chair... Once in our programme, we all were there...all-India karyakartas and he had (Pingle) completed his 75 years. So he was given a shawl and was asked to say something...he stood up and said that 'you might be thinking that you have felicitated me, but I know when this shawl is given, it means you sit in a chair calmly and see what happens'," Bhagwat said. Pingle was felicitated with a shawl on attaining the age of 75 years.
Bhagwat clarified that his reference to 75 years was not directed at any leader's retirement. "This is not for the retirement of anybody or for myself. We are ready to retire anytime in life. And, we are ready to work as long as Sangh wants us to work," Bhagwat asserted.
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The RSS chief added that when a swayamsewak is given a job, whether they want it or not, they are expected to do it. "I am 80 years old, and the Sangh will ask me to go run a Shakha. I will have to go. I cannot say I have completed 75 years, and I want to enjoy the retirement benefits. There are no benefits in Sangh," he said
On the next RSS chief, Bhagwat also said there are many people in the organization who are eligible for it. "I am Sarsanghchalak. Do you think I am the only one who can be Sarsanghchalak? There are at least ten people sitting in this hall. Anytime they can take this mantle and carry on," he added.
