Pawar made the remarks after the age-75 debate gained prominence: Narendra Modi reached 75 years of age on 17 September, and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat passed that mark on 11 September. The discussion has grown amid comparisons to elder leaders like L. K. Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, who left active politics around 75. Pawar questioned the consistency of earlier statements from BJP and RSS, noting that some leaders had spoken for a 75-age threshold while others now deny endorsing such a rule.
He highlighted his own continued political activity, saying “Where have I stopped? I am 85 and have no moral right to comment.” Pawar also emphasised that Modi’s 75th birthday should be treated with dignity, without political agenda, and that his own values stem from those of Yashwantrao Chavan.
Modi and his government have not formally adopted any written policy enforcing retirement at 75. Pawar pointed out that proponents of the idea had, on occasions in the past, suggested it, but now many in BJP deny making such statements. He questioned why there should be insistence on imposing such norms when those earlier claims are being refuted.