Why BJP got working president, rather than full-time one
What's the story
Bihar's Road Construction Minister Nitin Nabin has been appointed as the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) National Working President. The announcement comes as a surprise since an election for a full-time national president has been due for nearly two years. Current president JP Nadda's was named the working president in June 2019. He held the post for roughly six months before being formally elected party president in January 2020. Nadda's term was extended till June 2024, given the Lok Sabha elections.
Leadership transition
Nabin's appointment: A strategic move
Nadda, who is now a Cabinet minister, holds two positions, which has not been customary in the BJP in recent years, in line with the one person, one post matra. The party is likely to hold elections around January 14, when Nadda's successor will be elected. If Nabin wins the party election in January, he will become the party's president. According to the BJP's constitution, a leader can serve as president for two three-year terms.
Timing factor
BJP's decision influenced by Kharmas
Reports suggest that the BJP's decision to announce a working president instead of holding an election was influenced by the Kharmas month. This period is considered sacred in Hinduism, and most auspicious ceremonies are put on hold during this time. The Kharmas will last till January 14 (Makar Sankranti), making it an inauspicious time for such announcements.
Meeting
BJP already finished conducting organizational elections in 30 states
The BJP has already completed organizational elections in 30 states and union territories. This is essential since conducting organisational polls in at least half of the country's states is required before beginning the election for party head. Per reports, the BJP initially planned a meeting on the national president following the Lok Sabha elections, and its senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, state presidents, state in-charges, and national office bearers, met in August. However, polling did not take place.
New leader
Nabin's profile and potential role
Nabin, a five-time MLA from Bankipur in central Patna, is the youngest to hold this position at 50. His appointment also marks a generational change in the BJP. His organizational skills and reputation as an effective party organizer are likely to have influenced his elevation. If elected in January, Nabin (45) will be the youngest BJP president in history, breaking the record of Nitin Gadkari, who took over the post at the age of 52.