Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday firmly stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will continue to lead the nation in 2029, asserting that there is “no need to search” for a successor as Modi will retain his position, after Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut claimed Modi’s successor will likely be from Maharashtra.

This statement by Fadnavis came in response to claims by Raut, who suggested that Modi had visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur on Sunday to inform RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat of his impending retirement. Modi will turn 75 in September this year.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis emphasized, “There is no need to look for his successor. He (Modi) is our leader and will continue to lead.” He also rejected speculations that Modi’s successor might come from Maharashtra, saying, “In our culture, it is not right to talk about succession while the father is still present. That is the way of the Mughals. The time to discuss this has not yet arrived.”

Raut had earlier claimed that the RSS is seeking a change in political leadership. “He (Modi) probably went to the RSS headquarters to submit his retirement application in September,” Raut said. He added, “PM Modi visited the RSS office to announce his retirement. As far as I know, he has not visited the RSS headquarters in the last 10-11 years. The RSS wants new leadership, and now PM Modi is stepping down.”

However, Modi’s visit to the RSS headquarters marked his first since becoming Prime Minister. During the visit, he also laid the foundation stone for the Madhav Netralaya Premium Centre, a new extension of the Madhav Netralaya Eye Institute & Research Centre, named after the late RSS chief Madhavrao Golwalkar.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi praised the selfless work of RSS volunteers across various fields and regions of India. “The RSS is like a banyan tree of India’s eternal culture and progress, with ideals and principles aimed at safeguarding national awareness,” he said. “This great tree is not ordinary.”

Modi also highlighted the RSS’s dedication and organization over the past century, noting that their efforts are bearing fruit as India moves toward its goal of becoming a developed nation, ‘Viksit Bharat,’ by 2047. “The period from 2025 to 2047 is crucial because we have big goals ahead. We must lay the foundation for the next 1,000 years of a strong and advanced India,” he added.

The statements from both leaders have sparked a political debate, with Fadnavis staunchly supporting Modi’s continued leadership, while Raut’s claims suggest a potential shift in the political landscape.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar assured Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday that he would “never again” part ways with the BJP, referencing his previous separations as “mistakes.”

This came during an event in Patna, where both leaders announced various projects benefiting both the Centre and the State amid an impending Assembly election season.

As the political landscape in Bihar intensifies with elections just months away, Kumar’s comments reflect a renewed commitment to the ruling coalition.

Shah, who has been instrumental in the BJP’s strategy nationwide, had addressed party workers late Saturday night. He reportedly emphasized that “our victory in Bihar will resonate far and wide,” underscoring the significance of Bihar to the BJP’s broader electoral ambitions.

Shah’s visit, anticipated to conclude with a strategic discussion at Kumar’s residence involving other National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, showcased his rapport with the Chief Minister.

During the event held in Patna, Kumar appeared enthusiastic, mentioning the large turnout: “This grand auditorium is filled beyond capacity.”

The gathering also highlighted the robust presence of BJP supporters, as chants of “Jai Shri Ram” filled the hall. Despite the religious undertones, Kumar maintained his commitment to his secular image, stating, “What did the previous government [RJD-Congress alliance] achieve? They secured Muslim votes but failed to prevent communal riots.”

Moreover, Kumar criticized the state of affairs prior to the JD(U)-BJP regime, asserting that Bihar lacked quality healthcare and educational facilities. He reminisced about his ascent to power in November 2005, attributing improved conditions to the JD(U)-BJP partnership.

Kumar’s political journey with the BJP has seen tumultuous shifts; he first parted ways with the party in 2014 but realigned in 2017. After another separation in 2022, he sought to unify regional parties against the BJP under the newly formed INDIA coalition. However, as the Lok Sabha elections approached last year, he made a surprising return to the NDA.

In his address, Kumar attributed his past split decisions to “some individuals within my party” and firmly declared his resolve, stating, “I made a mistake twice, but that will not happen again.” This statement aligns with his aim to solidify the JD(U)’s role within the NDA as the political stakes rise in Bihar.

On Saturday, J.P. Nadda, president of the BJP and Union Health Minister, emphasized the role of the Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Central government, in guiding the state out of what he termed the “darkness” of the “jungle raj” associated with former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad.

Speaking at a Bihar Divas event organized by the Delhi BJP’s Purvanchal Morcha, Nadda praised Bihar for its unique “aura and dynamism,” noting that the state has historically contributed to democracy and produced esteemed educational institutions like Nalanda and Vikramshila.

He highlighted the continued academic achievements of Bihar’s students and professors at institutions such as Delhi University, reinforcing the state’s legacy of educational excellence.

Reflecting on Bihar’s past, Nadda pointed out that during the 1970s, the state was on an upward trajectory but experienced decline during Lalu Prasad’s governance in the 1990s, which he referred to as “doobta Bihara.”

He expressed that safety in Patna had significantly deteriorated, mentioning incidents of forced vehicle removals from dealerships for weddings and the exodus of healthcare professionals from the state. He also took a jab at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who claimed the absence of “jungle raj,” arguing that such opinions lacked historical context from those who weren’t alive during that period.

Nadda commended the efforts of the Delhi BJP and the Purvanchal Morcha in securing a recent assembly election victory and urged them to extend their campaigning efforts to Bihar ahead of the upcoming state elections.

Celebrating the progress achieved under the NDA and Modi government, Nadda shared that Bihar’s rural road network has expanded from just 384 kilometers in 2005 to over 112,000 kilometers today.

He also mentioned the establishment of prestigious institutions in Bihar, including the Indian Institute of Technology and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, announcing that Patna Medical College is set to become the largest hospital in Asia.