RSS Chief's 75-Year Rule Sparks MP BJP Debate

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supremo Mohan Bhagwat's retirement formula for the BJP leaders has created a ripple in the ruling party circles here as 14 BJP MLAs in Madhya Pradesh faced the prospect of losing ticket in the 2028 Assembly elections if it is enforced.

Mr. Bhagwat while speaking at a book release function recently stirred a hornet's nest in the BJP by suggesting that the political leaders who attain the age of 75 years should retire from politics to create opportunity for others.

Fourteen out of 163 BJP MLAs in Madhya Pradesh will cross 75 years of age when the state goes to Assembly polls in 2028.

At least 14 sitting MLAs, nine of whom are veterans of more than half-a-dozen Assembly elections, will cross 75 years of age and face the prospects of being denied re-nomination in the 2028 polls in the state, if the retirement age criteria for the leaders as suggested by Mr. Bhagwat, is enforced", a senior BJP functionary said on Monday.

Several BJP leaders have hailed the sangh leader's suggestion arguing that the move will help build the second and third generation leaders in the party, while some veterans cautioned that experience and seniority should not be overlooked in the interest of the growth of the party.