Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly refuted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s claim that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is preparing to select a successor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by September. Moments after Raut alleged that Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur was linked to his retirement, Fadnavis dismissed the speculation, asserting that Modi would continue to lead the country even after the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

Hitting back at Raut, Fadnavis criticized what he described as a "Mughal" mindset, saying, "In Indian culture, the younger ones do not think this way while elders are present. This is Mughal culture." He firmly stated that Modi remains the undisputed leader of the BJP and that there is no discussion about his succession. "Modi Ji is our leader, and he will continue to work in the future. Everyone wants to see Modi Ji as Prime Minister even in 2029. We are not worthy of discussing such matters," Fadnavis said.

Raut, however, insisted that Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters after more than a decade signaled a major shift within the Sangh Parivar. "September mein retirement ka application likhne ke liye shayad woh RSS mukhyalay gaye (He has maybe gone to the RSS headquarters to submit his retirement application)," Raut said, alleging that the Sangh leadership is now considering a change at the top. He further claimed that the BJP’s ideological parent is looking beyond Modi, stating, "From what I understand, the entire Sangh Parivar wants a change in the country's leadership. PM Modi's time is over..."

PM Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday was significant, as he became the first sitting Prime Minister to do so. This visit comes at a time when the BJP leadership is working closely with the RSS to strengthen its position ahead of crucial elections, particularly in states like Maharashtra, Haryana, and Delhi.