Will BJP President Nitin Nabin Move to Rajya Sabha or Remain MLA for Now?

New Delhi: With Nitin Nabin’s recent elevation as the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), speculation has arisen about whether he will continue as a Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly (MLA) or soon move to the Rajya Sabha. His election as party president has elevated his political profile from state-level to national politics, raising questions about the next steps in his legislative career.

Current Status and Considerations
Nitin Nabin is currently serving as the MLA from Bankipur in Patna, having won his fifth consecutive term in November last year with a margin of 51,936 votes. As the youngest BJP national president, his responsibilities have expanded, and many wonder if his new role will require him to represent the party in the upper house of Parliament.

Rajya Sabha Seats and Possibilities
Around 71 Rajya Sabha seats are set to become vacant this year, with approximately 30 currently held by the BJP. Based on recent state assembly election performances, the party could elect at least 33 leaders to the Rajya Sabha. Sources within the BJP indicate that with Nitin Nabin already allotted an official residence in New Delhi’s Lutyens’ Zone, it is possible that he may soon enter the Rajya Sabha, though no decision has been finalized.

Historical Precedent
Party sources noted that past BJP presidents have not always vacated their legislative posts immediately. For example, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari served as BJP national president from 2010 to 2013 while remaining a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC). He resigned only after winning the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat in 2014.

No Immediate Resignation Expected
BJP leaders in Patna and Delhi have suggested that Nitin Nabin is unlikely to resign from his MLA position in the immediate future. His current focus will be on upcoming assembly elections and strengthening the party organization at the state level. Moving to the Rajya Sabha is expected to be a decision taken at an appropriate time, balancing his national responsibilities with state-level political commitments.