Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described himself as a “party worker” while welcoming Nitin Nabin (45)—the BJP’s next generation president. “When it comes to party matters, Nitin Nabin is my boss,” Modi said at the Sangathan Parv event, an official ceremony to welcome the BJP’s youngest ever chief, underscoring the saffron party’s worker-centric ethos and emphasis on internal democracy, at the BJP headquarters
“You will think Modi is a third-term PM, became CM at 50 years, has been head of government for 25 years, but all these things are secondary. My greatest pride is, I am a BJP worker and Nitin Nabin ji is my boss,” the PM said, welcoming the new chief on stage, marking the transition from J P Nadda.
Speaking in the presence of a galaxy of BJP leaders—chief ministers, party chiefs, organisational stalwarts, PM Modi described the new BJP chief as a “millennial leader” representing a generation that has transitioned from radio bulletins to artificial intelligence. While highlighting the BJP’s 11 years in power, the Prime Minister said that the party had earned public trust through service and discipline, growing into the world’s largest political organisation, and urged Nabin to further strengthen the organisational base and ensure coordination with National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners ahead of crucial assembly elections.
Noting that 2026 marks the 75th year of the Jana Sangh, the BJP’s precursor, the PM said Nabin’s twin responsibilities would include managing the world’s largest political party and coordinating NDA allies. “Nitin ji, in one way, is a millennial. He is from a generation that has seen technological changes. He has seen the era of radio and is also an AI user. He has youthful energy and fine organisational skills, which will be of great value to us,” the PM said.
In his first address as the party chief, Nabin described politics as a long-term commitment rooted in sacrifice and responsibility. Thanking the Prime Minister, past BJP presidents, and party workers for his rise from an ordinary karyakarta, he said, “Politics is not indulgence (bhog), it is sacrifice (tyag); it is not luxury, but a penance (tapasya). Politics is not a position, it is responsibility,” he said, drawing applause. He also likened political life to an endurance sport that requires patience and discipline. “Politics is not a 100 metre race. It is a marathon which will test your stamina, not speed,” he said, urging the youth to actively engage in politics.
Distancing oneself from politics was not a solution, he said, asking young people and BJP workers to give their best towards the goal of Viksit Bharat and assuring recognition for their contributions. “The watch tower of the BJP is very strong. You keep working. Everyone is being watched and will be rewarded at the right time.”
Recalling the coming up of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, he said Indian politics should have no space for forces that question the existence of Ram Setu or stall traditions such as ‘Deepam’ in Tamil Nadu — a veiled attack on the Congress and the ruling DMK, which has opposed the decades-old ‘Karthigai Deepam’ festival at Thiruparankundram in Madurai.
Echoing Modi’s concerns over infiltration and demographic change, the newly elected BJP chief said: “We have to defeat these anti-Sanatan forces.” Without naming rivals, Nabin contrasted the BJP’s organisational culture with dynastic politics, reaffirming the principle of “Nation First, Party Next, Self Last”, and pledged to strengthen booth-level structures, energise workers, expand the party’s footprint in new regions, and maintain unity with NDA allies while carrying forward Modi’s vision of a developed India. “We must register emphatic performances in the upcoming elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puducherry in order to preserve Sanatan beliefs and ensure national security”.
Hailing from Bihar, Nabin assumed charge in the presence of senior leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Nitin Gadkari. His unopposed election ended Nadda’s extended tenure and restored the “one person, one post” principle in the party.
The atmosphere at the party headquarters reflected enthusiasm and unity synonymous with BJP events, with workers chanting slogans and cheering through the event. The attendance of chief ministers and state leaders from across the country showcased what party leaders described as a disciplined democratic transition and acceptance to a new youthful energy as the party prepares for the next phase of political and electoral challenges.