Nadda's Legacy: Scripting Wins in Over 30 State Polls, A Low-Key Leader's Rise to Power

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Jagat Prakash Nadda, the affable leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stepped down as party president on Tuesday after six years at the helm. He handed over the reins to Nitin Nabin, a five-time legislator from Bihar. Nadda's tenure saw the BJP script wins in over 30 state polls and two general elections, a testament to his leadership and organizational skills. Born in Patna in 1960, Nadda began his political journey as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Throughout his career, Nadda has been known for his even temperament and ability to navigate complex situations. A senior party colleague described him as a 'low-key leader' who 'understands the leader and how work has to be carried out.' Nadda's leadership style was instrumental in ensuring the party's success in Bihar in 2020 and subsequent victories in Assam, Puducherry, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Goa. Under Nadda's leadership, the party adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting its focus from street-level work to virtual conferences and online engagement. He also oversaw the party's expansion into new states, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Nadda's tenure was marked by his ability to balance different roles, including party president, union minister for health and family welfare, and leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha. His colleagues credit his deftness in juggling these roles to his training as a karyakarta (worker) and his experience in state politics. As Nadda steps down, he leaves behind a legacy of success and a new generation of leaders to carry the party forward. His ability to balance ideological commitment with pragmatism has been a hallmark of his leadership style, and his impact on the BJP's growth and expansion will be remembered for years to come.