Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first  visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Headquarters in Nagpur after becoming PM was not without its share of controversy.

Following the PM’s visit, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut made a tall claim on Monday, stating the PM’s visit was to announce his retirement to the RSS chief.

“He (Modi) probably went to RSS headquarters to write his retirement application in September,” Raut claimed, alluding to some leaders in the ruling dispensation retiring at 75. Modi turns 75 in September this year.

Raut further added that this was the first time in 10-12 years after becoming PM, Modi had visited Mohan Bhagwat, only to say goodbye.

“Today, PM Modi is visiting the RSS headquarters. Even after holding his position for a decade, he chose to stay away from the RSS,” Raut said in Mumbai.

Adding to his claims, Raut said that RSS and Bhagwat want change in the leadership in India and will decide on Modi’s successor, who he claimed will be from Maharashtra.

Fadnavis reacts

Reacting to Raut’s comments, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asserted, “In 2029, we will see Modi as the prime minister again.” 

“There is no need to search for his successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue,” Fadnavis said. Discussing succession while the leader is active is inappropriate in Indian culture, the CM added.

“In our culture, when the father is alive, it is inappropriate to talk about succession. That is Mughal culture. The time has not come to discuss it,” he said, referring to Raut’s claim.

PM Modi became the second sitting PM to visit the RSS headquarters in Nagpur. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited it in 2000 during his third term as PM, an RSS official said. This is also Modi’s third term in the top post.

He paid homage to the RSS founder, Dr K B Hedgewar, and also honoured Dr B R Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur.