(Geeta Dave)
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi approaches his 75th birthday on 17th September 2025, a political storm brews within the Sangh Parivar. His journey from a pracharak in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the most dominant and charismatic Indian political leader of the 21st century has reshaped the country’s democratic and ideological landscape. But now, the very organization that nurtured his political roots seems to be at odds with the towering figure it helped create.
The Rise of an Unstoppable Force
From 2014 to 2024, Narendra Modi’s dominance over Indian politics was absolute. Riding on the wave of nationalism, Hindutva, development promises, and a muscular foreign policy, Modi turned general elections into presidential-style contests centered around his persona. His leadership style — centralized, authoritative, and deeply symbolic — eclipsed the traditional functioning of the BJP and reshaped the party into a high-command-driven machinery.
The Modi-Amit Shah combined dismantled all parallel centers of power in the party. Stalwarts like L.K. Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and even younger leaders like Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley either retired, were sidelined, or passed away. The next rung of leadership was either too junior, too loyal, or too afraid to challenge the status quo. Even within the Opposition, leaders struggled to match Modi’s charisma. The Congress crumbled under dynastic inertia, while regional parties failed to project a unified national alternative.
Modi and the RSS: The Silent Drift
The bond between Narendra Modi and the RSS was always a complicated one. While Modi’s ideological moorings are deeply embedded in the RSS ethos, his method and style of governance gradually distanced him from Nagpur’s ideological elders. The Sangh has always believed in a “collective leadership model” and “power with responsibility, not personality cult.” Modi’s brand of leadership — individualistic, image-driven, and built on total loyalty — often clashed with the core Sangh philosophy.
In 2014, Modi reportedly told the RSS leadership: “Give me 10 years and I will spread Hindutva across the nation.” To a large extent, he delivered. Be it the Ram Mandir, abrogation of Article 370, the CAA, or the visible assertiveness of Hindu identity in governance and culture — Modi’s rule has achieved many goals the Sangh envisioned over decades. However, these achievements came with the cost of reducing the RSS’s traditional influence in shaping ideological and organizational direction.
Modi’s inner circle is now filled with technocrats, bureaucrats, loyalists, and a few carefully groomed political heirs. Over time, Sangh functionaries were increasingly pushed to the margins — used more as ground mobilizers than policy influencers.
Mohan Bhagwat’s ‘Age Limit’ Bombshell
In this backdrop, RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat’s recent statement that leaders beyond 75 should “make space for others” has ignited fierce speculation. Coming just weeks ahead of Modi turning 75, the statement cannot be dismissed as mere philosophical musing. In political circles, it has been widely interpreted as a veiled nudge — or perhaps a warning — aimed at Modi.
The timing is important. Bhagwat’s remarks came amid growing whispers within the Sangh and BJP that Modi is preparing to perpetuate his dominance by planting loyalists across institutions, the party, and even trying to influence the Sangh’s internal equations. His recent moves to empower select ministers, promote certain bureaucrats and centralize decision-making further have caused disquiet in Nagpur.
In the era of digital media and 24×7 commentary, YouTubers and influencers have jumped on the statement, claiming that Modi may be forced to resign or step down in deference to Sangh tradition. Whether such a development is realistic or not, the perception battle has already begun.
Will Modi Bow to RSS Pressure?
This is the million-dollar question. For a man who clawed his way from the grassroots to the topmost post in Indian politics, giving up power has never been part of his operating manual. Unlike many of his predecessors who came from dynasties or consensus-building backgrounds, Modi’s career is defined by assertion, control, and defiance of limits.
His refusal to name a successor, reluctance to democratize the BJP’s internal structure, and tight grip over all major decision-making mechanisms suggests that Modi will not surrender easily. He knows that the BJP’s electoral appeal is still deeply linked to his image. In states where the party tried to contest without his active presence, it often stumbled.
At the same time, Modi is a master strategist. If the RSS turns the screws, he may preemptively launch an image makeover — perhaps by promoting a trusted figure like Amit Shah or preparing a new “Team Modi 3.0” where he plays a less visible but more controlling role behind the scenes. Some speculate he may attempt to become BJP’s ‘Margdarshak’ (mentor) with executive powers, thus rewriting the Sangh’s age rules itself.
BJP’s Dilemma: Modi Without the Mandate?
A forced or even voluntary exit of Narendra Modi would put the BJP in uncharted waters. No other leader in the party today commands pan-India appeal or can convert votes at the scale Modi can. The likes of Yogi Adityanath, Amit Shah, or even a surprise face like Dharmendra Pradhan or Piyush Goyal have regional or technocratic appeal — but lack Modi’s mass connect.
The 2029 Lok Sabha elections loom in the background. If Modi were to step back now, the BJP may struggle to find a winning face, especially if the Opposition — perhaps under a rejuvenated Congress or an INDIA alliance 2.0 — manages to get its act together.
Moreover, the Modi brand has seeped so deeply into the BJP’s electoral strategy that a sudden shift could destabilize the party’s vote bank, especially among first-time voters and urban Hindutva supporters who see Modi as the embodiment of national pride, Hindu resurgence, and aspirational India.
RSS’s Larger Dilemma: Reform or Rein In?
For the RSS, the challenge is equally grave. On the one hand, it wants to preserve its non-political, guiding role and ensure that no one individual — no matter how successful — becomes bigger than the ideology or organization. On the other hand, it cannot ignore the risks of weakening the very leadership that helped fulfill its century-old goals.
Bhagwat’s statement may be part of a calibrated pressure tactic, meant more to remind Modi of his roots and limits, rather than enforce immediate change. Alternatively, it could also be setting the stage for a post-Modi transition, one where a new generation of Sangh-BJP leaders take charge with the RSS playing a more active role in their grooming.
Modi’s Possible Next Moves
Facing pressure from the RSS and speculation in media circles, Narendra Modi may choose one of the following paths:
Defy and Consolidate: Reassert his dominance by reshuffling the Cabinet, launching a major public campaign, and showcasing his indispensability for 2029.
Delay and Negotiate: Privately open backchannels with RSS to assure them of ideological continuity, while bargaining space for himself till 2026 or beyond.
Divert and Disrupt: Create a new narrative — like a global peace initiative, major economic reform, or constitutional amendment — that shifts focus from succession talks to national pride.
Designate and Dominate: Announce a trusted successor but continue to hold reins indirectly, much like other global leaders who stepped aside but remained the real power centers.
The Road Ahead: Modi@75 and Beyond
As Narendra Modi enters the 75+ phase, the Sangh’s message is clear: No one is indispensable. But Modi’s response will define whether he remains a once-in-a-generation leader or rewrites the very rules of political retirement and power transition.
In the coming months, the tussle between “Nagpur’s Doctrine” and “Modi’s Doctrine” may not erupt into open war, but subtle moves, coded speeches, and organizational reshuffles will signal the future. Whether Modi bows out gracefully, fights back, or carves a new role for himself — Indian politics is about to witness a historic chapter.
In all likelihood, Narendra Modi will not resign quietly. He may repackage his role, redirect the narrative, or reengineer his influence — but the idea of a powerless Modi remains alien to the man who made power his identity.
Modi@75 is not the end. It could be the beginning of Modi 3.0 — a phase not bound by office but perhaps more powerful than ever before.
(Geeta Dave is columnist from Gujarat)
