MUMBAI: India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday elected Nitin Nabin, 45, as its youngest-ever party president, signaling a generational shift aimed at winning over the country’s young electorate.
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Nabin, a five-time legislator from Bihar—India’s poorest state—was elected unopposed as the BJP’s 12th president, succeeding JP Nadda, 65, just months ahead of critical state elections, including in West Bengal, a region the party has yet to secure.
“A booth President can become a National President in BJP”
Yes – by sheer hardwork, dedication to the party and ideology, firm commitment to public service and visible demonstration of all these qualities will take any Karyakarta of @BJP4India to the place which they truly… pic.twitter.com/oTPLyE9G8c— Dr T Nivethitha (@TNivethitha) January 20, 2026
Hundreds of party workers gathered at BJP headquarters in New Delhi as Nabin, with a vermillion mark on his forehead and shoulders draped in a scarf bearing the party symbol, took the oath of office before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and four former party presidents.
“When it comes to the party, I am a worker and he is my boss,” Modi, 75, remarked, pointing to Nabin, who will serve a three-year term.
In his inaugural speech, Nabin praised Modi as a generational leader and urged young Indians to engage actively in politics. Analysts note the timing of the appointment is strategic: more than 40% of India’s one billion voters are aged 18 to 39, according to the Election Commission and independent studies.
The move comes after the BJP suffered a surprise setback in the 2024 general election, losing its outright majority and relying on regional allies to form a government. Since then, the party has regained momentum, winning key state and municipal elections. Currently, the BJP and its allies govern 19 of India’s 28 states.
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Political observers say the appointment of Nabin reflects Modi’s focus on energising younger voters, consolidating support ahead of the upcoming elections, and positioning the party for long-term generational leadership.