Never said I or someone else should retire at 75: Bhagwat

New Delhi: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday scotched speculation about him wanting Sangh Parivar netas, including those in BJP, quitting their posts after they turn 75, saying, "I never said I will retire or someone else should retire".

Bhagwat and PM Modi turn 75 this Sept 11 and 17, respectively.

The RSS chief was addressing a clutch of questions at a press conference on whether BJP netas, including "an elected Prime Minister", and other Sangh members should step down after they turn 75.

The issue acquired importance because of Bhagwat's earlier comments that appeared to endorse the well-known RSS leader late Moropant Pingle's remark about 75 years being the point where people should make way for their younger colleagues.

The RSS chief also asserted that the delay in the selection of a new BJP president was not because of the Sangh. "We don't decide... if we were the ones deciding, would it have taken so long?" Bhagwat said, suggesting that the delay was because of the BJP leadership's inability to choose a replacement for incumbent J P Nadda.

Bhagwat was speaking at a marathon two and a half hours long question-answer session on the conclusion of his two-day lecture organised as part of the Sangh's centenary celebrations.

While he addressed dozens of questions on a range of issues, a packed Vigyan Bhawan keenly awaited his response to a clutch of questions related to his view on whether those of 75 years of age should quit their posts.

Bhagwat explained that he had merely quoted the remark that Pingle, known for his ready wit, had made in zest when he was felicitated after reaching 75 years.