In a move that surprised political observers and party insiders alike, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on December 14, 2025, appointed Bihar minister and five-term MLA Nitin Nabin as its new National Working President. The announcement, approved by the BJP Parliamentary Board and made official by National General Secretary Arun Singh, marks a significant generational shift and signals the party’s intent to bolster its presence in eastern India ahead of crucial elections.
Nabin, who currently holds the Road Construction portfolio in the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government, steps into the role at just 45 years old, making him one of the youngest leaders to ever helm the party at the national level. He succeeds JP Nadda, who had served as the BJP’s national president since January 2020 and received multiple extensions to guide the party through major political milestones, including the pivotal 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The decision caught many by surprise, especially given the months of speculation and intense media chatter that had placed other senior leaders—such as Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupender Yadav, former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, and Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan—at the forefront of the race. There was even talk that a woman leader, with names like Nirmala Sitharaman, D Purandeswari, and Vanathi Srinivasan circulating, might be tapped for the top post. Yet, as has become something of a trademark for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the party delivered a political curveball by elevating Nabin, a name that had not featured in public speculation or internal discussions, according to India Today.
Prime Minister Modi was quick to congratulate Nabin on his elevation, posting on X, “He is a young and hardworking leader who possesses considerable experience in the organisation. His work as an MLA and minister in Bihar has been very effective, and he has worked with complete dedication to fulfill the aspirations of the people. He is known for his humble nature and for working on the ground.” Modi also expressed confidence that Nabin’s “energy and dedication will strengthen our Party in the times to come.”
Outgoing president JP Nadda echoed these sentiments, calling Nabin a “dynamic BJP leader from Bihar, the sacred land of knowledge and culture, and a minister in the Bihar government.” In his message, Nadda wished Nabin “a successful and illustrious tenure” and stated, “I am fully confident that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and your leadership, the organisation will set new benchmarks in nation-building and public service.”
Born on May 23, 1980, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, Nitin Nabin comes from a family with deep political roots. He is the son of the late Nabin Kishore Prasad Sinha, a veteran BJP leader and former MLA. Nabin entered active politics following his father’s passing and quickly established himself within the party, beginning his career in student politics through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). He first entered the Bihar Assembly by winning a by-election from Patna West in 2006 and has since been re-elected from the Bankipur seat in every subsequent election—2010, 2015, 2020, and most recently in 2025, where he secured victory by a margin of over 51,000 votes, according to Republic World.
Nabin’s rise in the BJP has been marked by a blend of organisational acumen and administrative experience. He has served in various ministerial roles in the Bihar government, including the Road Construction Department, Urban Development and Housing, and the Law Department. His focus on urban infrastructure and development has earned him a reputation as an effective, hands-on leader—qualities that many in the party believe will serve him well as he takes on national responsibilities.
His organisational credentials are equally impressive. Nabin has held several key positions within the BJP’s youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), including national executive committee member, national general secretary, and state president in Bihar. He was also the BJP’s election in-charge for Sikkim in 2019 and has overseen important poll assignments in states like Chhattisgarh, where the party registered a resounding victory. These roles have given him a unique vantage point, combining grassroots activism with a strategic understanding of the party’s broader goals.
According to his election affidavit filed in October 2025, Nabin declared assets of around Rs 1 crore, comprising a mix of movable and immovable assets. The affidavit also revealed that he has no criminal convictions, with all relevant legal columns marked “nil” or providing up-to-date court status as required by election rules.
Nabin’s appointment comes at a time of transition for the BJP. The party is recalibrating its leadership structure after a period of remarkable electoral success but also facing new challenges, both internally and on the national stage. The decision to select a relatively young leader with deep roots in Bihar is widely viewed as a strategic move to consolidate the party’s base in the Hindi heartland and to energize its cadre as it looks to the future.
Party leaders from across the spectrum have lauded the choice. Amit Malviya, the BJP’s national IT cell convener, described Nabin’s appointment as “reflecting the BJP’s focus on capable leadership and signaling a generational shift.” Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh were among the senior figures who extended their congratulations, underscoring the broad support Nabin enjoys within the party.
For many observers, the elevation of Nitin Nabin is not just about generational change, but also about reinforcing the party’s commitment to grassroots leadership and regional representation. As the BJP prepares for a new chapter, all eyes will be on how Nabin leverages his experience and energy to steer the party through the evolving political landscape—especially as the next round of state and national elections loom on the horizon.
With his blend of youthful vigor, organisational savvy, and proven track record in governance, Nitin Nabin’s appointment marks a turning point for the BJP. As he takes the reins, party workers and leaders alike are watching to see how he will shape the future direction of India’s largest political party.
