Jairam Ramesh Takes Dig at PM Modi, RSS Chief Over Age Bar

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remark that individuals should step aside after the age of 75 sparked strong reactions from the Opposition on Friday. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh seized the opportunity to take a pointed jibe at both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bhagwat himself.

"Poor award-winning Prime Minister! What a welcome home, only to be reminded by the RSS chief that he’ll turn 75 on September 17, 2025," Congress leader Jairam Ramesh quipped. "But the Prime Minister might well remind the RSS chief in return, he, too, turns 75 just days earlier, on September 11, 2025. One arrow, two targets!"

Speaking at a book launch event on Wednesday, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat remarked, “Turning 75 is a sign that it's time to step aside and let others take over.”

Ramesh’s remark comes as a light-hearted dig at the Prime Minister and the RSS chief, highlighting the close proximity of their 75th birthdays. With both leaders set to hit the milestone in the same month, his comment draws attention to the striking coincidence.

Bhagwat’s remarks have stirred speculation across political circles, with many in the Opposition interpreting them as a subtle message directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his age. The fact that both leaders are set to turn 75 in the same month has only intensified the debate, prompting questions about whether Modi will abide by the same age ceiling he once imposed on senior BJP figures.

Alongside Congress’s Jairam Ramesh, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also weighed in, saying, “PM Modi sidelined leaders like LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Jaswant Singh after they crossed 75. Let’s see if he now follows the same rule for himself.”

Bhagwat’s statement has left the Prime Minister’s political future open to interpretation, fueling fresh political chatter ahead of the milestone year.

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