New Delhi: Nitin Nabin on Tuesday took charge as the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party and moved swiftly to announce his first set of organisational decisions, offering an early indication of how the party may be shaped under his leadership. The appointments, covering upcoming Assembly and municipal elections, are being viewed within political circles as a glimpse into Nabin’s prospective core team and strategic priorities.
Among the most significant decisions was the appointment of BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde as the election in charge for the Kerala Assembly elections. Tawde has also been named observer for the Chandigarh mayoral elections. A senior and experienced organiser, Tawde currently oversees party affairs in Bihar, where the National Democratic Alliance recorded a sweeping victory in recent elections. His expanded role is being seen as a sign of increased responsibility and a prominent place in Nabin’s leadership group, alongside fellow National General Secretary Sunil Bansal. Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje has been appointed co in charge for the Kerala polls, strengthening the party’s election management team in the state.
Another notable appointment is that of Ram Madhav as in charge of the Bengaluru municipal corporation elections. Madhav previously served as a national general secretary during Amit Shah’s tenure and played a key role in Jammu and Kashmir politics, including the 2015 alliance decision. After returning to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 2020, his re entry into active political roles gathered momentum with his appointment as election in charge for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls in 2024. His latest assignment is widely seen as an indication of a larger role ahead and renewed organisational backing.
Former Rajasthan BJP state president Satish Poonia has been named co in charge for the Bengaluru civic elections, alongside Maharashtra MLA Sanjay Upadhyay. Poonia has been seeking a fresh organisational role after recent electoral setbacks and has previously contributed to key campaigns in Haryana and Bihar.
In another move, Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar has been appointed in charge of the Telangana municipal corporation elections. Considered a rising leader with strong organisational experience, Shelar has worked closely with Nabin in the past. He will be assisted by former Rajasthan BJP president Ashok Parnami and Rajya Sabha member Rekha Sharma as co in charges.
Taken together, the appointments suggest an emphasis on experienced organisers, regional balance and a leadership team that blends senior figures with emerging leaders, setting the tone for the BJP’s organisational direction under Nitin Nabin.
