New Delhi:  In his first address after taking charge as BJP national president, Nitin Nabin on Tuesday underlined discipline, sacrifice, and long-term commitment, describing politics as a “long marathon” that tests stamina rather than speed. Nabin, among the youngest leaders to head the party, signalled a generational shift while stressing continuity with the BJP’s ideological core.

Terming politics as tyag and tapasya, Nabin said that public life was not about shortcuts or personal gain, but rather sustained service to the people and the nation. “A leader becomes big only when he connects with people’s emotions,” he said, citing the BJP’s service-driven culture as its defining strength.

Recalling the COVID-19 period, he said while opposition leaders stayed indoors, BJP workers remained on the ground serving citizens. He praised the organisational work of former party presidents and said service to society, not power, remained the party’s guiding principle.

Highlighting governance achievements, the BJP chief said welfare delivery had become transparent, claiming that every rupee sent from Delhi now reaches the poor directly through initiatives such as Jan Dhan accounts. He also cited the construction of the Ram Temple, abrogation of Article 370, and the tricolour flying at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk as fulfilment of long-standing national commitments.

Invoking the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nabin called upon party workers to actively contribute to building a Viksit Bharat. He made a direct appeal to youth to participate deeply in organisational work, cautioning them against viewing politics as a sprint rather than a test of endurance.

Looking ahead to elections in five states (West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry) amid changing demographics, Nabin urged cadres to face challenges with unity and perseverance. He concluded by calling for mass outreach to mark the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, describing it as a source of national inspiration and resolve.