ThePrint Opinion: Nitin Nabin’s appointment as the BJP President is a selection, not an election
Jan 22, 2026
Nitin Nabin's recent appointment as BJP President highlights a familiar pattern of elite control in political party leadership. The discussion questions whether Nabin's rise signifies any real distinctiveness for the BJP compared to the Congress. The selection process is likened to a system of gatekeepers that undermines internal democracy. Strategic elements, including youth appeal and regional balance, play a critical role in this choice. Ultimately, the podcast argues that the BJP's unpredictability adds an element of hope, though the process remains purely elite-driven.
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Non-Dynasty Yet Controlled Leadership
- Nitin Nabin's appointment is presented as generational renewal but follows elite control rather than open contestation.
- BJP's history of non-dynastic presidents coexists with a selection process dominated by party gatekeepers.
Unpredictability Without Fair Competition
- A true party election requires both unpredictability and fair competition, but BJP's process lacks fair competition.
- The party produces outcome unpredictability without offering members meaningful chances to compete.
Workers' Belief In Mobility
- Field interviews show BJP workers repeatedly believe "any karyakarta can reach any position in our party."
- Modi's claim of being a party worker reinforces this internal belief and mobility narrative.