In a wide-ranging interview, BJP’s chief newly appointed National President Nitin Nabin opens up about his accidental entry into politics, the transformation of India under Modi, and why today’s youth must lead with purpose — not shortcuts.
He did not plan to enter politics. He did not chart a course to the top. Yet today, he sits as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party — one of the most powerful political positions in the world’s largest democracy. And the first thing he wants the youth of India to know is this: there are no shortcuts.
“I simply did my work with commitment, sincerity and consistency. From being a sadasya to becoming adhyaksh, the Party took care of the rest.”— BJP National President
The new BJP chief entered politics after the sudden death of his father — a moment that changed everything. “I had doubts about how to move forward,” he admits. But what followed was not a meteoric rise driven by ambition, but a patient, disciplined climb through the ranks of party work.
His message to young Indians is simple but pointed: “Be confident about your USP. Many times, we take decisions under pressure from society. It is important to have faith in yourself and your own path.”
Promises made, promises forgotten — but not by today’s youth
With the Congress government failing to deliver on key commitments — including a two-year backlog on student fee reimbursements — the BJP chief is direct in his critique. “The government should not have left students in the middle like this,” he says. “Education is not something to be played with.”
He draws a sharp contrast with BJP’s governance philosophy. “The BJP promises only what it can achieve. We work with commitment to deliver.” As proof, he points to the Jan Dhan Yojana — a scheme that brought crores of India’s poorest citizens, including millions of women, into the formal banking system for the first time. “Earlier, it was said that when ₹1 was sent from Delhi, only 15 paise reached the ground. Today, because of Direct Benefit Transfer, the full benefit reaches the poor directly.”
“Today’s youth are alert, informed and aware. They remember every promise made to them. You cannot fool them with election-time theatrics.”— BJP National President
From “What is India?” to a nation the world listens to
He recalls a telling moment from years ago, during a visit to the United States as part of an exchange programme. American stakeholders would ask, “What is India?” — and he could not answer with confidence. That world, he says, no longer exists.
“Today, India is no longer just a participant in global affairs. India is a country that gives direction — that the world listens to.” He points to India’s role in evacuating its citizens from the Ukraine-Russia war zone as a defining image of New India’s strength and diplomatic reach.
He also recalls being part of the Yuva Morcha delegation that attempted to hoist the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar in 2011 — a moment the government then opposed. “After 2014, the entire country has seen the tricolour flying proudly at Lal Chowk. That is the transformation.”
From job seekers to job creators: India’s startup revolution
India now has over 2.5 lakh startups and more than 100 unicorns — a statistic the BJP chief wears with pride. “This did not happen by accident,” he says. “Modi ji changed the thinking of the youth. The mindset has shifted from job seeker to job creator.”
He singles out Hyderabad as a city with a natural ecosystem for startup growth and signals that a BJP government would actively nurture such hubs. “There are regions in this country that are built for innovation. Our job is to support them.”
“Come with a mission — not for shortcuts”
His advice to young people considering politics is equal parts invitation and warning. “Politics is also like a cricket pitch. You cannot come in looking only for slog overs. First, you have to stay on the pitch, face the challenges, build yourself — and then deliver.”
He echoes PM Modi’s call for one lakh youth to enter politics, and urges more women to step forward. But he is clear about the conditions: “Come with a mission. Come with patience. Do not look for shortcuts.”
As for his own working relationship with the Prime Minister, he describes it simply as a team built on discipline — comparing it to a legendary cricketer playing under different captains. “Sachin Tendulkar was a great player, but he played under different captains with full discipline. In the BJP, every person — no matter how senior — works with respect for the organisation.”
“First, become independent. Then enter politics with a clear purpose — to serve society and the nation, not for personal gain.”— BJP National President
