NI Bureau
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut claims PM planning retirement
A recent trip by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Nagpur has sparked political conversations, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claiming that the visit means Modi is planning to retire in September. Raut further indicated that this was Modi’s first visit to the RSS headquarters in over ten years and subsequently that this was significant to the overall attempt since Modi made it a point to visit RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to say farewell.
BJP dismisses claims of PM Modi retiring
In response to Raut’s remarks, senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the claims regarding retirement. Fadnavis said Modi will lead the country for several more years, saying, “In 2029, we will see Modi as Prime Minister once again. There is no need to search for his replacement.”
Modi’s engagements in Nagpur
While visiting Nagpur, Modi paid tribute to Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the RSS, and attended the event for laying the foundation stone of the Madhav Netralaya Premium Center, a super specialty eye care center. It is significant because a sitting prime minister has never visited the RSS headquarters before this visit.
Speculation grows over Modi’s political future
The visit has initiated speculation over leadership changes in the BJP and the broader Sangh Parivar. For his part, Raut believes the visit has terminated the prime minister’s time in office, while BJP leaders have assured us Modi is firmly in place and any talk of succession is premature.
