From Atal-Advanis to Nadda-Nabeen: 45-Year-Old Nitin Nabeen Takes Over BJP Leadership
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced Nitin Nabeen as its new National President at the party headquarters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several senior leaders were present at the event.
The 45-year-old Nabeen was elected unopposed, becoming the 12th National President of the BJP and the youngest leader to hold this position. Prior to this, he had assumed office as the National Executive President on 15 December.
The election process for the BJP National President began after 30 out of 36 state presidents completed their elections, surpassing the required 50 percent threshold. The election schedule and voter list were announced on 16 January 2026, and the nomination process took place on Monday from 2 PM to 4 PM, receiving 37 nomination papers in favor of Nitin Nabeen. Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah, and Rajnath Singh, among other top leaders, acted as proposers.
Journey of BJP Presidents:
Since its formation in 1980, several influential leaders have led the BJP, shaping its ideological direction, organizational structure, and electoral strategy. From Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Nitin Nabeen, the leadership journey reflects the party’s transformation from a small political outfit to the world’s largest political party by membership.
Lal Krishna Advani (1986-1991, 1993-1998, 2004-2006): Advani accelerated the party’s growth on the issues of Hindutva and Ram Temple. In 1995, he surprised everyone by announcing Vajpayee as the prime ministerial candidate.
Murli Manohar Joshi (1991-1993): Strengthened the party’s national leadership during the Ram Temple movement.
Kushabhau Thakre (1998-2000): Played a key role in consolidating BJP’s presence in Madhya Pradesh.
Bangaru Laxman (2000-2001): From Andhra Pradesh, but removed following the Tehelka controversy.
Jena Krishnamurthy (2001-2002)
Venkaiah Naidu (2002-2004): Led the party as a young and dynamic leader.
JP Nadda (2019-2026): Became Executive President on 17 June 2019 and now elevated to full-time National President.
Who is Nitin Nabeen?
Nitin Nabeen is a senior BJP leader from Bihar, born in Patna. He is the son of the late Nabeen Kishore Prasad Sinha, a respected BJP leader and former MLA. Following his father’s untimely demise, Nabeen entered active politics and gradually carved his own identity. Representing Bankipur Assembly constituency, he has won five consecutive elections, consolidating his position within the party.
Currently, he holds the Ministry of Road Construction and Urban Development in Bihar. Additionally, he has served as BJP in-charge for Chhattisgarh, reflecting his growing influence at the national level.
Nitin Nabeen’s appointment brings new youthful energy to the BJP, and this move is seen as a key step in shaping the party’s future trajectory.