Who Is Nitin Nabin? How He Turned the Tables in Chhattisgarh and Stunned Bhupesh Baghel

Raipur/New Delhi: The appointment of Nitin Nabin as the new Working President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has generated considerable buzz in political circles. A minister in the Bihar government, Nabin has emerged as one of the party’s most effective organizational strategists, earning this key national responsibility after delivering decisive victories for the BJP in Chhattisgarh, long considered a Congress stronghold.

Party leaders credit his grassroots connect, sharp micro-level planning, and ability to energize cadres as the core reasons behind his elevation.

The Man Behind BJP’s Chhattisgarh Comeback

Nitin Nabin was appointed BJP’s in-charge for the 2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly elections at a time when the Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel appeared firmly entrenched. Most exit polls predicted a Congress return to power. What followed, however, surprised the political establishment.

Under Nabin’s stewardship, the BJP not only defeated the Congress but returned to power with a clear majority after five years, effectively dismantling what was seen as an invincible Congress bastion.

Hitting the Ground Running

Party insiders say Nabin began intensive groundwork immediately upon assuming charge. He focused on ticket distribution, strengthening the organization, and booth-level management, while maintaining constant direct communication with grassroots workers. By listening to cadre concerns and restoring confidence among demoralized workers, he helped create a strong pro-BJP momentum across the state.

From Co-In-Charge to Chief Strategist

Initially appointed as co-in-charge of Chhattisgarh BJP in 2023, Nabin’s role expanded significantly as election preparations gathered pace. His strategy played a crucial role in effectively communicating welfare initiatives such as the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ at the grassroots level.

The BJP’s victory in the 2023 Assembly elections marked a political turning point, shattering the Congress’s perceived dominance. Impressed by the outcome, the party leadership entrusted Nabin with the responsibility of steering the BJP’s campaign in the subsequent Lok Sabha elections as well.

A Strategy That Changed the Game

When Nabin was made in-charge, skeptics questioned how he would counter a heavyweight leader like Bhupesh Baghel. Known for his organizational acumen, Nabin adopted a “man-to-man” micro-management strategy, carefully mapping leaders, constituencies, and voter dynamics.

At the time, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh were heading into elections simultaneously. While much attention was focused on Madhya Pradesh and the perceived charisma of Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chhattisgarh lacked a declared chief ministerial face. Apart from former CM Raman Singh and Brijmohan Agrawal, no dominant leader was projected. Nabin capitalized on this political space, crafting an independent strategy that minimized internal overlaps and maximized organizational discipline.

The results left many stunned—Congress was decisively defeated, and BJP reclaimed power.

Dominance in Lok Sabha Elections

Nabin’s strategic capabilities were further validated in the Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP won 10 out of 11 seats in Chhattisgarh, delivering one of its strongest performances in the state. Party sources attribute this success to tight organizational coordination, disciplined booth management, and sustained engagement with both workers and voters under his leadership.

Beyond Bihar: A National Role

Within the BJP, Nitin Nabin is now seen as a leader whose capabilities extend far beyond Bihar. His Chhattisgarh success has established him as someone who can take on complex political challenges, blend organization with strategy, and deliver results in high-stakes elections.

It is this proven track record that has propelled him to a key national organizational role, positioning Nitin Nabin as one of the BJP’s most important strategists in the years ahead.