Special Correspondent
Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly responded to Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) MP Sanjay Raut’s remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successor. Fadnavis stated that in Indian culture, the successor is not discussed while the leader is still alive, and such discussions are a part of “Mughal culture.” He emphasized that there is no need to choose a successor at this time.
Sanjay Raut had earlier claimed that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) would decide Modi’s successor, and there were clear indications regarding this. He stated that discussions within the RSS happen behind closed doors, but some signals are visible.
Responding to this, Fadnavis said, “There is no reason to search for Modi’s successor. He is our leader and will continue to serve for many more years. We all insist that he will be our Prime Minister even in 2029, and the entire nation sees him in that role. Therefore, such discussions are inappropriate at this point. In Indian culture, a successor is not decided while the father is still alive. This is all Mughal culture, and there is no question of choosing a successor now.”
Raut further commented on the BJP’s national leadership, stating that the RSS plays a role in deciding the BJP’s national president. He pointed out that Modi’s recent visit to Nagpur to meet the RSS chief after 10-11 years was significant. “For years, Modi did not visit the RSS headquarters, but now he had to. This is not a small matter. BJP president J.P. Nadda had previously suggested that the party did not need the RSS. However, when the BJP president speaks, it reflects Modi’s stance. If you understand this, you will know why Modi had to visit the RSS headquarters,” Raut said.
