BJP chief Nitin Nabin targets ‘part-time politicians’, calls for preparedness ahead of 2027, 2029 polls

BJP president Nitin Nabin on Friday (February 20, 2026) began a three-day visit to Gujarat, during which he took aim at Opposition parties, accusing certain “forces” of being indifferent to national security and the concerns of common citizens while seeking to re-emerge ahead of upcoming elections.

Addressing party leaders and workers who gathered at the Ahmedabad airport to welcome him, Mr. Nabin urged the cadre to remain prepared for the 2027 Gujarat Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

“Looking ahead to 2027 and 2029, we must be fully prepared. There are forces trying to rise again — forces that do not care about the nation’s security or its common man, but think only of themselves,” he said.

Without naming any party, he also criticised what he termed “part-time politicians”. “BJP workers are full-time politicians who remain among the people and work continuously. However, during elections, some part-time politicians will appear. We must build such strong relationships with people that they do not even consider such part-time politicians,” he said.

Mr. Nabin said this was his first visit to Gujarat after assuming office as BJP president and lauded the State’s contribution to national leadership.

Political, cultural identity

Describing Gujarat as a land that had shaped India’s political and cultural identity, he referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s message of non-violence and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in national integration. He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with steering the country on a development path while preserving its heritage, and praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for expanding the BJP’s footprint.

“When you vote, you do not merely choose a government for Gujarat or elect a Chief Minister; you empower leadership that moves the entire country forward. Serving the people is our duty,” he said, calling on party workers to stay connected with citizens.

Mr. Nabin was accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, State BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma and other senior leaders.

His visit coincides with that of senior Aam Aadmi Party leaders, with party convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann scheduled to arrive in Gujarat on a two-day visit from Saturday (February 21).