By BJP National President Nitin Nabin has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier remark describing him as “the boss” within the party was never about hierarchy, but about reinforcing the BJP’s organisational culture where every leader, regardless of position, functions as part of a disciplined team.
Addressing the Viksit Bharat Student Conclave in Hyderabad on Monday, Nabin used a cricket analogy to explain the Prime Minister’s statement, comparing Modi’s role in the party to that of legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar playing under different captains. According to him, the comparison highlighted that even the most accomplished individuals work within a collective structure for the larger goal of the organisation.
The discussion stemmed from Prime Minister Modi’s remarks earlier this year, when Nabin succeeded J.P. Nadda as BJP national president. At the time, Modi had said that while he serves as the country’s Prime Minister, Nabin is “the boss” when it comes to party affairs.
Responding to questions about the comment, Nabin said the Prime Minister intended to send a message about institutional discipline rather than individual authority. He explained that BJP leaders, irrespective of their stature, respect the organisational framework and carry out their responsibilities under the guidance of the party leadership.
Drawing parallels with cricket, Nabin said even a player of Sachin Tendulkar’s stature represented India under different captains with complete commitment to the team’s objectives. Leadership, he said, is about giving direction and ensuring that every member moves together toward a common goal.
He further referred to India’s World Cup-winning campaigns, saying success was achieved because talented players worked under strong leadership. Mentioning former captains Sourav Ganguly and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Nabin said the captain’s responsibility is to unite the team, while every player contributes by following a shared vision. He added that Modi’s statement reflected precisely this philosophy of teamwork within the BJP.
Apart from discussing organisational culture, the BJP president also spoke extensively about India’s younger generation. He argued that attempts by some political groups to portray Gen Z as anti-establishment do not reflect the aspirations of Indian youth.
According to Nabin, young Indians are focused on innovation, nation-building and development rather than disruption. He said India’s youth are determined to contribute positively to the country’s progress and are unlikely to be influenced by what he described as divisive or externally inspired narratives.
Highlighting the transformation in Jammu and Kashmir, Nabin said the image of the region’s youth has changed significantly over the years. Instead of being associated with unrest, he said many young people are now making their mark in education, sports and public service. He cited the growing participation of Kashmiri cricketers in national competitions as an example of changing aspirations.
The event was attended by Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, MPs D.K. Aruna and Rekha Sharma, along with BJP national general secretary Sunil Bansal and other senior party leaders.
