Nitin Nabin, the newly appointed national working president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has swiftly assumed his responsibilities with a critical mandate: to fortify the relationship and operational synergy between the BJP and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This move comes as the party gears up for a series of crucial Assembly elections scheduled for the first half of 2026.
Immediate Focus on Sangh Outreach
At 45, Nabin is the youngest leader to hold this top organisational post. Despite his formal election as party chief being slated for later in January 2026, he has immediately embarked on his key task. Party sources confirm that one of Nabin's primary objectives is to improve relations and coordination between the BJP and the RSS. To achieve this, he is set to conduct a series of meetings with the heads of various RSS wings and numerous Sangh-affiliated organisations.
These discussions will not be limited to top leaders alone. Sources indicate that Nabin will soon engage with the chiefs, organisation secretaries, and joint secretaries of several Sangh Parivar groups. This granular approach underscores the importance of seamless coordination at all levels of the ideological ecosystem.
Repairing Ties After 2024 and Eyeing State Elections
The need for this renewed focus stems from the perceived strain in BJP-RSS relations in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. After the BJP fell short of a majority, securing 240 seats, and had to rely on NDA allies like the TDP and JD(U) to form the government, reports suggested a "demoralised" RSS cadre had been less proactive in the campaign.
Following post-election talks, the equations were restored, and the positive impact was evident in the BJP's subsequent victories in the Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly polls. Last year's RSS centenary also saw top BJP leaders, including PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, publicly praising the Sangh's role in nation-building.
However, with high-stakes elections looming in states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam—many ruled by INDIA bloc parties—the BJP feels an urgent need for a stronger ground network. "Improved relations with the Sangh have always given an advantage to the BJP in elections," a party insider noted, highlighting the formidable challenges ahead.
Nabin's Profile and Proposed Structural Changes
Interestingly, Nitin Nabin, a five-time MLA and former minister from Bihar, does not come from a traditional RSS background like some of his predecessors. He belongs to the Kayastha community and is known as a low-key, accessible leader. This, according to some BJP leaders, could be an advantage. "Nabin can work from the position of a neutral leader. The Sangh wants collective leadership... A young leader with a clean image can work better when it comes to working together," explained a leader with an RSS stint.
Simultaneously, the RSS itself is considering structural reforms to improve coordination. A committee formed during its centenary has suggested replacing the current system of multiple prant pracharaks in large states with a single rajya pracharak (state in-charge). This consolidation, from about 50 prant pracharaks to state-level heads, is expected to foster better teamwork and smoother coordination with the BJP leadership.
In addition to managing the Sangh relationship, Nabin is also expected to ensure active coordination between the BJP-led central government and the party's state governments. As the battle for key states intensifies, his success in strengthening this foundational ideological and organisational bridge will be closely watched.
