New Delhi, May 25, 2026 – Nitin Nabin, the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has sharply criticised the Karnataka unit of the party, calling for a period of introspection and decisive action ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. Speaking at the BJP’s Bengaluru party office on Sunday, May 24, Nabin underscored the urgent need for the state unit to “pull up its socks” and prove itself as a credible political alternative. His remarks, delivered during his maiden visit to Karnataka, have set the tone for a renewed focus on organisational discipline and grassroots mobilisation within the party.
Nabin’s assessment of the Karnataka unit came after extensive groundwork by Shiv Prakash, the party’s national joint general secretary (organisation), who conducted one-to-one interactions with numerous state leaders to gather insights on organisational health. During his visit, Nabin made it clear that the party’s cadre must prioritise the interests of the organisation over individual ambitions, particularly in light of persistent infighting that has plagued the state unit for over a decade. “Leaders should protect the interests of the organisation rather than individuals,” he stated, emphasising unity as a cornerstone for future electoral success.
A key focus of Nabin’s address was the proposed Social Integration and Reconciliation (SIR) initiative, which he described as critical to strengthening the party’s support base. He called on the cadre to actively participate in the SIR process, warning that failure to do so could result in the loss of the party’s support among key sections of the electorate. Nabin cautioned against complacency, asserting that merely capitalising on the Congress government’s perceived failures would not suffice. Instead, he urged the BJP to project itself as an effective alternative by demonstrating consistent pro-people struggles and addressing governance issues head-on.
The BJP national president also highlighted the lack of coordination and ground-level activity within the state unit. He directed the party to prepare a detailed action plan targeting the government’s failures, particularly in addressing alleged scams and irregularities. Several senior leaders within the party have expressed frustration over the state unit’s inability to convert anti-incumbency sentiment into tangible political gains. Nabin’s intervention is seen as a timely wake-up call, coming at a moment when the ruling Congress party in Karnataka is embroiled in a leadership tussle that has further weakened its position.
Political observers have noted that Nabin’s message carries significant weight, as it signals that the BJP’s high command is closely monitoring the performance of its state units. “The message by the national president has clearly shown that the party high command is now watching its State unit,” remarked a senior leader, indicating that the days of unchecked factionalism and inaction may be coming to an end.
As Karnataka gears up for the 2028 Assembly polls, the BJP’s Karnataka unit faces the dual challenge of addressing internal divisions and presenting a united front against the Congress. Nabin’s stern warning serves as a reminder that the road to political revival demands not just criticism of the opposition but a proactive and organised effort to reclaim public trust.
