BJP’s New Team: Who Gained, Who Stayed Out and Why Piyush Goyal’s Role Is Significant

The Bharatiya Janata Party has unveiled its new national team under president Nitin Nabin, nearly seven months after he formally took charge.

The reshuffle comes as the party prepares for a crucial electoral cycle, with the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election among the immediate challenges and the 2029 Lok Sabha election looming ahead. The appointments also indicate a push towards a younger organisational leadership while rewarding leaders who have delivered politically and bringing back experienced strategists.

1. Smriti Irani, Biplab Deb Get Key Roles

Smriti Irani’s elevation as national general secretary is one of the biggest changes in the new structure. Although she lost the Amethi Lok Sabha seat in 2024 and left the Union Cabinet, Irani remained active in BJP campaigns across multiple states.

Her extensive campaigning in West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Delhi and Bihar appears to have strengthened her organisational standing. Her new position gives her greater responsibility in the BJP’s national strategy.

Biplab Kumar Deb has also emerged as a major beneficiary of the reshuffle. After stepping down as Tripura chief minister, Deb took on organisational responsibilities in Haryana, where the BJP secured victories in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

He was subsequently given a role in the party’s West Bengal election strategy, particularly in North Bengal. His latest elevation reflects the BJP’s recognition of his organisational work and electoral performance.

2. Piyush Goyal’s Appointment Raises Questions

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s return as BJP national treasurer is perhaps the most intriguing appointment.

Goyal previously held the same organisational post before entering the Union Cabinet. He now replaces Rajesh Agarwal, who had served as treasurer since 2020.

The move has attracted attention because of the BJP’s “one person, one post” principle. The party has previously asked leaders to relinquish organisational positions after taking up ministerial responsibilities.

That naturally raises speculation about whether Goyal could eventually give up his ministerial role. There is, however, no confirmation of any such decision.

With talk of a possible Union Cabinet reshuffle already doing the rounds, Goyal’s return to a key party position is likely to keep the speculation alive.

3. Ram Madhav’s Return Signals Bigger Role

Ram Madhav’s return to the BJP’s national leadership is another important feature of the new team.

Madhav served as national general secretary from 2014 until 2020 before returning to the RSS. His comeback gained momentum in 2024 when the BJP appointed him as an in-charge for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election.

His experience in the region proved valuable. The BJP won 29 seats in the election, its best-ever performance in Jammu and Kashmir.

His appointment as national vice president under Nabin therefore represents a significant political comeback and brings an experienced strategist back into the BJP’s central organisational structure.

Other Key Changes

BL Santhosh continues as national general secretary (organisation), retaining one of the most powerful positions in the BJP’s organisational hierarchy.

Former journalist and BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari has moved to the role of media co-convenor, while the party has also given greater prominence to its digital communication machinery by referring to its IT structure as the social media setup.

The new team reflects a combination of continuity, reward and revival. While experienced leaders retain crucial positions, several political performers have been elevated and veterans such as Ram Madhav have been brought back into prominent roles. The structure will now play a key part in shaping the BJP’s strategy for upcoming state elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha contest.