Jagat Prakash Nadda was formally elected the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday, ANI reported. Nadda, who was elected unopposed, succeeds Amit Shah.
The saffron party is expected to host a grand function at the central headquarters, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, to formally congratulate Nadda on his elevation, reported NDTV. On Sunday, Modi and Shah had met senior party leaders, some members of National Executive and Parliamentary Board, chief ministers and former chief ministers to formally apprise them of Nadda’s candidature.
“A simple worker like me, who didn’t have a political background, who hails from a remote place in Himachal Pradesh – if someone like me is being given this responsibility then it is the speciality of BJP and it is possible only in BJP,” ANI quoted Nadda as saying.
After the election, congratulatory messages poured in. “Wishing him the very best for his tenure,” tweeted the prime minister. “Nadda Ji is a dedicated and disciplined karyakarta who has worked for years to strengthen the party at the grassroots. His affable nature is also known to all.” Modi hoped that the party would “scale newer heights during his presidency”.
Amit Shah said the party would achieve new milestones under Nadda’s leadership and benefit from his organisational skills and experience. He also thanked Modi, party workers and senior leaders for their support during his tenure.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said the party would achieve “new glory and success” under Nadda’s leadership. “Known for his organisational experience, Nadda ji has always been an asset to the party.” added Singh, who is a former BJP president himself. “Wishing him a successful tenure ahead.”
For Nadda, the initial challenge will be Delhi elections, followed by Bihar polls. Delhi will vote on February 8 and the results will be declared on February 11. The dates for the Bihar elections are yet to be announced.
Nadda is known to have a good working relationship with Shah and Modi. He is also known to be close to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological parent organisation of the BJP. An old party worker, Nadda was a member of the Himachal Pradesh legislative Assembly for three terms from 1993 to 2012. In April 2012, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha. In the first term of the Modi government, Nadda served as the health minister, and in June 2019, the BJP Parliamentary Board elected him its working president.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!