By Arun Srivastava
One of the worst-kept secrets in Indian politics, the crack that has jolted the saffron ecosystem, that of the war of supremacy between RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has been the source of an existential crisis for the Sangh Parivar, has resurfaced in a volatile manner.
After the three-day Baithak of the ‘prant pracharaks’ from across the country, it appeared that Modi has got reprieve and would continue to remain in power for some more time, if not complete his tenure till 2029. But the three-day-old remark from Bhagwat has, on the other hand, strengthened the belief that curtain is about to fall underlining end of the Modi Raj.
Choice of the occasion to speak his mind by Bhagwat was quite significant. He opened up at a book launch event in Nagpur in memory of the RSS thinker Moropant Pingle, saying: “Turning 75 is nature’s signal to pause and give way to others.” It is worth mentioning that Bhagwat would be completing 75 years of age on September 11, six days ahead of Modi. The RSS sources are sure that Bhagwat would hang his gloves by that day and leave the ring. They are curiously watching whether Modi will follow him or exercise his right to continue in power till he thinks himself to be fit and capable of delivering for his party.
While Bhagwat’s remarks on stepping down at the age of 75 have triggered political speculation, with Modi also turning 75 this September, has triggered a bitter game of animated discussion within the saffron family. It is being asked if by stepping down on September 11, Bhagwat would leave the space open for Modi to manipulate the situation. Some senior RSS leaders are of the opinion that Bhagwat must not rush with his decision, as Modi could not be relied upon. They point out on many occasions Modi had promised the RSS chief to abide by his decision on the selection of the new party president; yet after within a day or two, he would go back and defy his directives.
Bhagwat recounted a humorous moment from Pingle, who once joked that being felicitated with a shawl after 75 was society’s polite way of saying it’s time to retire and make space for the next generation. However, RSS leaders point out that gone are the old days when leaders adhered to their words and respected the majority view, and that during Modi’s period, the rule of game has completely changed. Bhagwat had told the gathering that even though Pingle was deeply committed to national service, he believed in stepping aside gracefully once age dictated so.
Nevertheless, a big chunk of the BJP leaders feel that in the existing situation it would be hard for Modi to defy Bhagwat’s age retirement observation. They cite three latest developments in the favour of their argument; first, RSS has stopped giving credence to the present set of Bihar BJP leaders; second, in a major shake up the BJP has installed a hard-core RSS loyalist Samik Bhattacharya as the state president of West Bengal, and third, Amit Shah speaking of his retirement.
It is not at all a secret that Amit Shah, the modern day Chanakya of BJP, has been the eyes and ears of Modi, who is completely dependent on him for his political actions and survival. No doubt Shah’s remark has surprised the senior BJP leaders, most of whom were sidelined by him, it has put a question on the future of Modi. Shah is still of 60 years. He still has 15 years to reach the superannuation stage. Nonetheless, his remarks are being interpreted as words of parting ways with Modi.
His observation has come in the wake of speculation of his replacing Modi as prime minister making rounds in the saffron circle. His remark is being interpreted as an indication of Modi making the final departure and joining the Marg Darshak Mandal. At a time when there is mad rush for joining politics, his showing apathy, his observing that he doesn’t plan to remain in politics for much longer, keeps him apart from others. His entreaty to dedicate his time to reading ancient Indian scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads is being inferred as a suggestion to Modi to retire gracefully instead of creating ruckus in the party and lowering his stature.
There is no doubt that Shah’s remarks are aimed at Modi and points to the looming leadership transition. During his address Bhagwat had resorted to a metaphor: shawl being draped on the shoulder is the indicator of the innings coming to end. People must gracefully make way for youngers to come forward and take the responsibility. RSS sources however confide that Bhagwat has already chosen his successor from amongst the senior RSS leaders and he would announce his name at the appropriate time, preferably with Modi announcing his retirement. The new leader is known to be soft to Modi, but certainly not is a chum or close to him.
If the sources are to be relied on, a day back a senior BJP leaders called on Bhagwat and persuaded not to force Modi to put in his papers. He also promised that Modi will abide by his wishes and diktats. But it failed to break the ice. The interlocutor was told in plain words that enough is enough. In the past, efforts were made from RSS side to diffuse the crisis and work out an amicable patch up, but each time Modi refused to fall in line. He even hijacked the hard work done by the RSS in assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra and in Delhi. He went around telling the people that he was responsible for the victory of the party. The worst happened during Operation Sindoor. He even denied the credit of winning of the war to army. Instead he claimed the success, as if he had fought the war. RSS leaders strongly hold the view that he had paralysed the outcome.
While close aides and supporters of Modi counter the RSS logic for his resignation, asserting that his charisma and image helped the BJP win the elections, and as such there is no need for him to resign, the RSS sources point out that it is not a secret at all and the entire country knows about how he won the elections. They say that Modi must look at his feet before making any claim.
Meanwhile, this latest development has helped INDIA bloc, especially the Congress to fiercely attack RSS and Modi. They seek to know when even the RSS has lost its faith, why should people have a prime minister like him. Congress has called for Modi’s “retirement” after Bhagwat suggested that political leaders should step aside by the age of 75. (IPA Service)
