Understanding BJP's Working President Position: Nitin Nabin's Path to Party Leadership

Nitin Nabin has been appointed as BJP's working president, marking a significant development in the party's leadership structure.

New Delhi:

Nitin Nabin is only the second individual in BJP history to hold the position of working president. The first was Jagat Prakash Nadda, the current party chief. Interestingly, the BJP constitution does not formally recognize the role of a working president. However, since 2019, this position has emerged as an important transitional role before assuming the party's top leadership position.

In June 2019, Nadda was appointed as BJP working president following Amit Shah's appointment as Union Home Minister. Nadda served in this capacity for approximately six months, assisting Shah before his formal election as BJP national president in January 2020. Nadda has now completed nearly six years as party chief. According to BJP's Constitution, a leader may serve a maximum of two three-year terms as President.

BJP leaders describe the working president appointment as a temporary arrangement.

Another important factor is Khar Maas, a month-long period considered inauspicious in Hindu tradition, which begins tomorrow. This explains why Nabin received his appointment as working president yesterday. Once this period concludes on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), the formal process for electing the new party president may commence.

The BJP has already completed organizational elections in 30 out of 37 states and Union Territories. This is crucial because completing organizational polls in at least half of India's states is a prerequisite for initiating the party chief election process.

According to BJP officials, the presidential election will require at least four days and likely conclude shortly after January 14. While a formal election will take place, Nabin's selection is widely considered predetermined, as both the BJP and its ideological parent organization, the RSS, prioritize consensus in such matters.

In this scenario, Nabin will assist Nadda and gain experience before potentially taking over as BJP chief, similar to how Nadda learned from Shah six years ago.

Who Is Nitin Nabin

Forty-five-year-old Nitin Nabin currently serves as the Road Construction minister in Bihar and is a five-time MLA from Bankipur in Patna. He first became an MLA at age 26 when the Patna West Assembly seat was vacated following the death of his father and BJP veteran Navin Kishore Sinha. A Kayastha by birth, Nabin is positioned to become the first BJP chief from Bihar and eastern India. Should he assume the role of national party chief next year, he would become the youngest BJP president in history, surpassing Nitin Gadkari, who took the position at age 52.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Nabin, describing him as a hardworking Karyakarta who has distinguished himself within the party. "He is a young and industrious leader with rich organisational experience and has an impressive record as MLA as well as Minister in Bihar for multiple terms. He has diligently worked to fulfil people's aspirations.

"He is known for his humble nature and grounded style of working. I am confident that his energy and dedication will strengthen our party in the times to come," the Prime Minister stated. Previously, Nabin has served as the BJP in-charge for Chhattisgarh and Sikkim.