Fadnavis rubbishes Sanjay Raut's claim: 'No need to search for PM Modi's successor'

PM Modi went to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said Narendra Modi will continue to lead the country in 2029 and there is “no need to search” the Prime Minister’s successor as he will continue to hold the top post again in 2029.

The CM’s remark came after Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut claimed that PM Modi went to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday to convey the message to Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat that he is retiring.  The PM will  turn 75 in September this year.

“There is no need to search for his successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue,” Fadnavis said, speaking to reporters in Nagpur.

He also dismissed the speculation that the successor will likely be from Maharashtra. “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,” said the CM.

Raut claimed that the RSS wants a change in the political leadership in the country.

“He (Modi) probably went to RSS headquarters to write his retirement application in September," Raut said. “PM Modi went to the RSS office (PM Modi’s visit to Nagpur) to announce his retirement. As per my knowledge, he has never visited the RSS headquarters in 10-11 years. RSS wants a change in leadership. PM Modi is now leaving.”

VIDEO | Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, PM Modi went to the RSS office (PM Modis visit to Nagpur) to announce his retirement. As per my knowledge, he has never visited the RSS headquarters in 10-11 years. RSS wants change in pic.twitter.com/YCcjYR5MEX

Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 31, 2025

PM Modi visited the RSS headquarters for first time since becoming the prime minister. He also laid the foundation stone of Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, a new extension building of Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre, named after late RSS chief Madhavrao Golwalkar.

PM Modi said RSS volunteers are working selflessly in various spheres and parts of the country.

"RSS is the banyan tree of India's immortal culture and modernisation whose ideals and principles are to protect the national consciousness," PM Modi said. 'This large vatvruksh is not an ordinary one."

PM Modi said the "tapasya" of RSS with its "sangathan" and "samarpan" in the last 100 years is showing fruits as the country approaches its target of 'Viksit Bharat' in 2047.

"(The time span from) 2025 to 2047 is important because big goals are ahead of us. We have to lay the foundation stone of the next 1,000 years of a strong and developed India," PM Modi said.