Questions Arise Over Modi–Bhagwat Relations: RSS Praised from Red Fort for the First Time
New Delhi: Speculation is rife in political circles regarding the relationship between Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recently, Bhagwat advised that leaders should voluntarily retire after the age of 75 and give others an opportunity. It is widely believed that this message was indirectly aimed at PM Modi, who will turn 75 next month. Interestingly, Mohan Bhagwat himself will also turn 75 this year.
Just days after this statement, Bhagwat, at an event, criticized the government over the growing commercialization of healthcare and education. He has previously raised indirect questions about the central government’s handling of the Manipur violence and other electoral issues.
First Mention of RSS from the Red Fort
On Independence Day, for the very first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the RSS from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of its centenary. Modi said, “These hundred years of service to the nation are a matter of pride and a golden chapter. The volunteers have dedicated their lives to serving Mother India.”
This marked the first instance when any Prime Minister mentioned the RSS in an Independence Day speech. Political analysts believe this is an attempt to warm up relations between the government and the Sangh, which had seemingly cooled.
Opposition Targets PM Modi
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh mocked the Prime Minister in a tweet, saying, “PM Modi’s chair rests on Mohan Bhagwat’s blessings. By praising the RSS from the Red Fort, he is trying to please Bhagwat.”
The Impact of the ‘BJP No Longer Needs RSS’ Remark
Before the Lok Sabha elections, BJP President J.P. Nadda had remarked that the party had grown so large that it no longer needed the RSS. Following this, in the 2024 elections, the BJP managed to win only 240 seats—well short of its target of over 400. It was believed that Nadda’s statement dampened the enthusiasm of the RSS cadre, who were not as energetically active as in 2014 and 2019. Since the elections, the BJP has been trying to rebuild its ties with the Sangh.
Will Modi Step Down?
Bhagwat’s message about retirement at the age of 75 has sparked speculation over whether PM Modi will follow the same principle. However, senior journalist Sharad Gupta believes this is unlikely. He said, “Modi will not step down until he is forced to. Even in 2014, he did not resign as Gujarat Chief Minister until the very last day before taking the oath as Prime Minister.”
Rift or Strategy?
Former RSS functionary and BJP leader Ram Madhav dismissed these speculations, saying the BJP and RSS belong to the same ideological family and there are no real conflicts between them. Yet, given Bhagwat’s sharp remarks and Modi’s unprecedented praise of the Sangh from the Red Fort, analysts are interpreting political signals.
Political observers believe time will reveal whether Bhagwat’s advice and Modi’s response are merely symbolic gestures or if they carry a deeper political meaning.
