Nitin Nabin, BJP’s rising star

No one in their wildest dreams would have ever thought that Nitin Nabin, a five-time MLA and a State Minister of Bihar, would ultimately emerge as the ultimate choice for the presidentship of the BJP. In fact, his elevation as the Working President, a pre-cursor perhaps to his replacing JP Nadda for the top post, is a reflection of the BJP’s robust organizational network where even unlikely workers can get an opportunity to reach the top.

This is in sharp contrast to other parties where it would be always difficult to imagine any such person, considered to be non-descript in the eyes of many political observers, hoping to make it to such a stage, and that too so early in life. Nabin has been selected for his organizational ability, and though there may be some who may like to bring in his caste into the picture, it is evident that the appointment signals a generational change and recognition of the fact that the majority of electorate in this country is under the age of 40. Nitin is 45 and fits the plan perfectly.

There is also a view that since Nitin is a Kayastha, his selection could have something to do with the forthcoming Bengal elections as the Kayasthas play a major role in the politics of the State. This is probably a very superfluous opinion and there could be multiple reasons for his elevation. There are also baffling aspects since a day before his name was declared, the party had appointed Pankaj Chaudhury, a multiple time MP and Union Minister as the president of the UP unit. What is being considered odd is that someone from the central stage has been sent to a State, and someone from a State has been given the national charge. But politics has its own logic and its illogic as well. Pankaj Chowdhury is an influential Kurmi leader and belongs to the same community as the Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Thus, many inferences, true or imaginary, are likely to be drawn from his nomination, particularly when there is constant speculation on Nitish's future.

Nitin Nabin's selection came even as a surprise for his family. There was no inkling anyone had regarding what was in store in future for this BJP middle rung leader. It is being said that though there could have been some discussion between Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, it was the Prime Minister who made the final push during his meeting with top RSS leaders before the announcement was made. The essence of the decision is that Modi is the driving force in the BJP and it would be possible to bring in a generational change easily under his overall leadership. Anyone, Nitin in this instance, has his patronage and therefore would be easily able to fit into the shoes of Nadda eventually. He shall serve the party as per the established practices of the current dispensation.

Nitin Nabin's selection also effectively means that the names which were discussed prior to his declaration, were not getting full endorsement from all sections. Meaning that there were questions being raised by one faction or the other. However, a new name which was free from controversy of any nature was finally picked. The new working president of the BJP shall have to live up to the huge expectations. He shall have to acquit himself in the forthcoming elections though the Modi Shah duo shall always be guiding him, step by step.

Opponents of the BJP have questioned the decision, stating that Nitin was being thrust from the top and no democratic process for his election was followed. Secondly, there is no position of a Working president in the BJP's constitution and if he was selected, he should have been declared as the President straightaway. Some cynics have also been suggesting that nothing prevented the Sangh Parivar in keeping Nitin as the Working President and subsequently also announcing a full-fledged president later. Most unlikely that this would happen. There is also no news where would it leave Nadda, who has played an important role in the BJP's rise, when the transition takes place.

There is also speculation whether as a part of the arrangement to bring in Nitin, the RSS may have its own team, primarily the organizing secretary of its choice, to keep things under its overall control. Many names are doing the rounds, but these are political conjectures at this juncture. There is no doubt that Nitin is an activist with deep roots in the Sangh and has proved his organizational abilities numerous times. He had been instrumental in ensuring that the Congress government under Bhupesh Baghel in Chhattisgarh was defeated in the last elections, contrary to all predictions.

There are lessons for the Congress to learn from this appointment. The grand old party that shall be celebrating its 141st raising day next week, must recognize the importance of elevating foot soldiers to key posts. It needs to strengthen its organizational base as also instill discipline. It could happen only in Congress that Ashok Gehlot, who was tipped to take over as the president, backed out at the last moment, preferring his Chief Ministership.

Nitin Nabin has arrived. He has to live up to the expectation of his high command.