Succession Saga: Raut's Claim of Modi's Retirement Sparks Denial from Fadnavis and RSS

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed speculation about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successor, saying Modi will continue to lead the country for many more years. This comes after Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut claimed that the RSS wants a change in the political leadership in the country and that Modi went to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur to convey his retirement plans. Fadnavis responded to Raut's claims, saying, "In 2029, we will see Modi as the prime minister again." He also emphasized that discussing succession while the leader is active is inappropriate in Indian culture, adding that "in our culture, when the father is alive, it is inappropriate to talk about succession. That is Mughal culture".

Senior RSS leader Suresh 'Bhaiyyaji' Joshi also denied any talks of Modi's replacement, saying, "There is no need to search for his successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue". Raut had claimed that Modi's visit to the RSS headquarters was to convey his decision to retire in September, when he turns 75. However, Fadnavis and Joshi's statements suggest that there is no truth to these claims.