Nitin Nabin Takes Charge as BJP National President, Marking Generational Shift

Nitin Nabin Assumes Top BJP Post

Nitin Nabin officially took charge as the 16th National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on January 20, 2026, in New Delhi. His elevation marks a significant leadership transition within India's ruling party, concluding the extended tenure of his predecessor, J.P. Nadda. The appointment of the 45-year-old Nabin makes him the youngest national president in the party's history, signaling a generational shift.

The formal handover ceremony took place at the BJP headquarters, where Nabin was felicitated by prominent party leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and the outgoing president J.P. Nadda.

Election Process and Unanimous Support

Nitin Nabin's election was unopposed, underscoring the consensus among the party's top brass. The nomination process for the presidential post commenced on January 19, 2026. A total of 37 sets of nomination papers were filed in his favor. These nominations included signatures from key figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J.P. Nadda, Rajnath Singh, and Amit Shah, along with several Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states.

Nabin had previously been appointed as the National Working President of the BJP on December 14, 2025. This interim role was widely seen as a precursor to his eventual full elevation to the national president's position, following an approximately 18-month search for Nadda's successor.

The BJP's internal election process for its national president typically involves an electoral college comprising members from the National and State Councils. While the party's constitution allows for elections, the choice often emerges as a consensus among senior members. The process requires organizational elections to be completed in at least half of the state units before the national president is elected.

Nabin's Political Journey and Nadda's Legacy

Nitin Nabin brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Born on May 23, 1980, he is a five-time Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. He first entered electoral politics in 2006, winning from the Patna West Assembly Constituency. Since 2010, he has consistently been elected from the Bankipur Assembly Constituency. His ministerial experience in the Bihar Government includes portfolios such as Road Construction, Urban Development & Housing, and Law. He has also held significant organizational roles within the party, including National General Secretary and State President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM).

Outgoing president J.P. Nadda concluded his six-year tenure, which began with his appointment as Working President in June 2019 and then National President in January 2020. His term, which was extended until June 2024, was characterized by substantial electoral successes and the expansion of the party's footprint across India. Under his leadership, the BJP secured victories in numerous assembly elections and achieved a historic third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.