Modi Plays Santa For BJP, Springs Youthful Nitin Nabin As Next Party Chief

In a surprise move, the BJP’s Parliamentary board on December 14 appointed Nitin Nabin, as the party’s new working president. Party sources said Nabin would be reaching BJP headquarters in Delhi on December 15 to take charge of his new assignment. It is most likely that he will continue as a minister in the Nitish Kumar government. His elevation is being compared to the appointment of another of PM Modi’s picks as BJP state president for Uttar Pradesh — Union Minister of State — Pankaj Chaudhary — an effective Kurmi leader. Sources said despatch of Chaudhary, widely acceptable OBC face to UP, was to send a message to supporters of state CM Yogi who were having a free-run of the state. As for zeroing in on Nabin — an upper caste pick, a Kayastha and high energy performer — to replace Nadda was PM Modi’s idea entirely going by organisational skills. Apparently both Chaudhary and Nabin will discharge their ministerial responsibilities for the time being. Does Nabin immediately replace Jagat Prasad Nadda? Unlikely. The term of the current president Nadda had ended way back in January 2024 but was extended in view of the 2024 general election. Though Nabin’s appointment as working president came into effect immediately, he will take charge only after he is formally elected as party president. Sources recall Nabin is following Nadda’s trajectory – Nadda was also appointed as working president in June 2019 when Amit Shah, the then president, took over as the Union home minister. Nabin’s elevation marks a generational change in the party. Lot of seniors may not be comfortable working with a youthful party chief. It is likely that Nabin’s elevation as party president could eventually be worked out via election for the top post only after the assembly elections.