A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nagpur, where he made a stop at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that the Sangh is preparing to choose Modi’s successor.
Speaking on Monday, Raut asserted that Modi will be asked to step down upon turning 75, a move in line with the BJP’s so-called unwritten retirement rule. He further pointed out that the Prime Minister had not visited the RSS headquarters in the past 11 years but did so on Sunday.
“Modi’s successor will be from Maharashtra and RSS will decide on that,” Raut told reporters in a press conference and added, “PM Modi visited RSS headquarters to discuss his retirement plans.”
“Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and the entire Sangh Parivar want a change in the country’s leadership. Now Modi’s term is over. The RSS now wants to have a presence in the country. It also wants a say in electing the BJP national president. Therefore, Modi went to the RSS headquarters to see off and say that he is leaving,” an IE report quoted Raut as saying.
Raut took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his claim that the RSS played a role in India’s freedom struggle. “The RSS had no involvement in the freedom movement. What was its contribution? Narendra Modi should get a history lesson from us,” Raut remarked.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar at Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh in Nagpur. PM Modi’s visit to Nagpur coincided with Varsha Pratipada, which also marks the birth anniversary of RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
He was accompanied by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other leaders.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also paid tribute to RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
Sangh Member Seshadri Chari has dubbed the Prime Minister’s visit a “very important and historic” one. The RSS member said that there is “no difference of opinion” between the RSS and the BJP.
(With inputs from agencies)