By The Sampadak Express
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly rebutted the claim made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday. Raut had alleged that during this visit, discussions were held about PM Modi’s successor, and that the new leader would be from Maharashtra. Fadnavis dismissed the speculation, asserting that there was no such discussion about the Prime Minister’s retirement or succession during the meeting.
At a press conference on Monday, Sanjay Raut had claimed that PM Modi discussed his retirement plans with RSS leaders, and that the RSS would decide who would succeed him. “RSS will decide the successor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and he will be from Maharashtra. That’s why Modi was called to Nagpur to discuss it at a closed-door meeting,” Raut stated. However, the Rajya Sabha MP did not elaborate on how he came by this information, fueling further skepticism about the accuracy of his claims.
Devendra Fadnavis wasted no time in dismissing Raut’s assertion. In a swift response, the Maharashtra Chief Minister said, “Modi is our Prime Minister and he will remain Prime Minister in 2029 as well.” He further clarified, “As far as my name is concerned, I have nothing to do with this matter.” Fadnavis made it clear that there was no discussion regarding the Prime Minister’s successor during PM Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters, reiterating the BJP’s firm support for the current leadership.
BJP legislator Atul Bhatkhalkar also criticized Raut for attempting to create controversy. “There is no discussion on PM Modi’s successor. Raut is trying to create controversy over this issue. Instead of focusing on irrelevant matters, he should concern himself with finding a successor for Uddhav Thackeray,” Bhatkhalkar remarked, pointing out that Raut’s own party had faced leadership challenges in recent times.
This is not the first time that an opposition leader has speculated about PM Modi’s future leadership. Similar claims have been made in the past, only to be swiftly dismissed by BJP leaders. In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier addressed such speculation, reassuring the public that the BJP would remain in power under Modi’s leadership for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. During a public event in Chandigarh on August 5, Shah had remarked, “Let the Opposition make a fuss. You do not worry. In 2029, the NDA will come to power, and Prime Minister Modi will lead us.”
The BJP’s firm stance on the matter reflects its confidence in PM Modi’s leadership, dismissing all attempts by the opposition to create uncertainty regarding the Prime Minister’s future.
