BJP announces new national team. Who is in, who is out

Nitin Nabin, the newly appointed national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), unveiled his comprehensive national organisational team on Monday, August 17, 2026. The reshuffle marks a strategic realignment of leadership roles, emphasizing continuity alongside fresh appointments, with notable returns of seasoned figures such as Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav, and the departure of Amit Malviya from key positions. The move comes amid heightened expectations for the party ahead of crucial state assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Goa. The new team consists of 64 office-bearers, reflecting a deliberate balance between veteran leaders and emerging voices. Among the key appointments, Smriti Irani, a former Union minister, has returned as a national general secretary, underscoring her continued influence within the party. Similarly, Ram Madhav, a former national general secretary, has been reinstated as a vice president, signaling his enduring relevance in the party’s hierarchy. The inclusion of Biplab Deb, the former Tripura Chief Minister, and Satish Poonia, a Rajya Sabha MP, highlights regional representation and recognition of their contributions during recent state-level electoral campaigns. The social media team underwent a significant restructuring, with Amit Malviya, who had previously overseen the party’s digital communication, removed from his position. He was replaced by Deepak Mhaskey, a Chhattisgarh-based strategist who had previously managed the BJP’s social media operations during Nitin Nabin’s tenure as the state in-charge in 2023. This change follows public backlash over the party’s handling of social media content during the Gen Z-led protests earlier this year, which exposed vulnerabilities in its online strategy. The new team includes Priti Gandhi, Alok Bhatt, Shiwanand Dwivedi, and Arun Yadav, tasked with revamping the BJP’s digital presence and addressing concerns raised by younger voters. Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce, has been reappointed as the national treasurer, a role he previously held from 2010 to 2014, marking a continuation of his involvement in both governmental and party affairs. His dual role underscores the BJP’s preference for leaders with extensive administrative experience. Meanwhile, the media cell retains Anil Baluni, an MP from Uttarakhand, as its chief, supported by Pradeep Bhandari, Ashish Agarwal, and Siddharth Yadav. These appointments reflect a commitment to maintaining stability in core functions while introducing new perspectives. The reshuffle also incorporates individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who have switched allegiance from rival parties. Notably, Sandeep Pathak, a former member of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Rohan Gupta, who joined from the Congress, have been appointed as national secretaries. This reflects the BJP’s ongoing efforts to broaden its base and integrate talent from various political factions. Additionally, the team includes Swadesh Singh, Siddharth Shambhu, and Phangnon Konyak, a Rajya Sabha MP from Nagaland, further diversifying the composition of the national leadership. Among the key changes, the position of general secretary (organisation) has seen continuity with the retention of B.L. Santosh, along with Shiv Prakash and Saudan Singh. However, all morcha or cell chiefs have been replaced, with Lok Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh and former state chief V.D. Sharma now serving as the coordinator for all cells, including the youth wing, the Mahila Morcha, and the cells dedicated to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. This centralized coordination aims to streamline operations and enhance responsiveness to grassroots demands. The reshuffle also included the promotion of Lal Singh Arya from the SC Morcha president to the rank of vice-president, highlighting the party’s emphasis on inclusivity and representation. Other promotions include Tarun Chugh, who has taken charge of the central office in Punjab, and Sambit Patra, who has been designated as the North-East coordinator. These moves align with the BJP’s broader strategy to strengthen its organizational structure and prepare for upcoming elections. The decision to retain certain leaders, such as Vinod Tawde and Sunil Bansal, suggests a cautious approach to leadership transitions. Both have played pivotal roles in managing state-level elections, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, where their expertise could prove invaluable. The inclusion of Harish Dwivedi, a former MP from Basti, and Sanjay Bhatia, a Rajya Sabha MP, further reinforces the party’s focus on regional strength and local governance. The outgoing officials, including Arun Singh, Dushyant Gautam, and others, have been either dropped or reassigned, reflecting the party’s desire to modernize its leadership. Dushyant Gautam, a Dalit leader and former general secretary, was notably linked to a controversial incident involving the Ankita Bhandari murder case, prompting legal action and public scrutiny. His removal underscores the BJP’s sensitivity to reputational risks and its prioritization of accountability. As the BJP prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, the new team is expected to play a critical role in mobilizing support and ensuring effective campaign management. With a blend of experienced leaders and newer appointees, Nitin Nabin’s reshuffle aims to strike a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, positioning the party for future challenges.