BJP Appoints Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin as National Working President

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has named Bihar cabinet minister Nitin Nabin as its national working president. The appointment, announced on December 14, 2025, by the party's parliamentary board, marks him as only the second leader to hold this position in the BJP's history, following incumbent president Jagat Prakash Nadda.

Although the BJP's constitution does not formally provide for a working president, the role has emerged since 2019 as a key transitional position. Nadda himself was appointed working president in June 2019 after Amit Shah assumed the Union Home Ministry portfolio. He held the post for several months, supporting Shah, before being elected full-time national president in January 2020. Nadda has now completed nearly six years in office, with party rules limiting the presidency to two three-year terms.

Sources within the BJP describe the working president role as a temporary measure to facilitate smooth leadership handover. The timing of Nabin's appointment—on the eve of Khar Maas, a month-long inauspicious period in the Hindu calendar beginning December 15—appears deliberate. The period concludes on January 14, 2026, with Makar Sankranti, after which the formal election process for the new national president is expected to commence.

The party has already completed internal organisational elections in 30 of 37 states and Union Territories, meeting the prerequisite of polls in at least half the units before proceeding with the presidential election. Party leaders indicate the process could take about four days and is likely to conclude shortly after January 14.

While a formal election will occur, Nabin's ascension to the full presidency is widely regarded as assured, given the BJP and its ideological affiliate, the RSS, prioritise consensus in leadership decisions. In this arrangement, Nabin is expected to work closely with Nadda, gaining hands-on experience in national party affairs—mirroring how Nadda supported Shah six years ago.

Who is Nitin Nabin?

The 45-year-old Nabin currently serves as Bihar's Minister for Road Construction in the Nitish Kumar-led government. A five-time MLA from Patna's Bankipur constituency, he first entered the assembly at age 26 through a by-election following the death of his father, veteran BJP leader Navin Kishore Sinha.

A member of the Kayastha community, Nabin is poised to become the first BJP national president from Bihar—and indeed eastern India—if elected next year. At 45, he would also be the youngest in the party's history, surpassing Nitin Gadkari, who assumed the role at 52.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Nabin as a dedicated grassroots worker with strong organisational skills and an outstanding track record as both legislator and minister. "He is known for his humble and approachable style of functioning. I am confident his energy and commitment will further bolster our party," Modi stated.

Nabin has previously handled key party responsibilities, including as in-charge of Chhattisgarh and Sikkim, contributing to electoral successes in those states. His elevation signals a generational shift, emphasising youth and regional representation in the BJP's top leadership.

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