Newly appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, asserted that those who deny the existence of Ram Setu and those who oppose the Karthigai Deepam festival should not be allowed space in Indian politics, accusing opposition parties of repeatedly attempting to obstruct religious traditions and cultural practices.
Nabin made the remarks after formally assuming charge as the BJP’s national president at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, outgoing party president JP Nadda, Union ministers, and senior party office-bearers.
Addressing the gathering after taking charge, Nabin thanked party leaders and workers for entrusting him with the responsibility, describing himself as an ordinary party worker elevated to a high position. He expressed gratitude to the prime minister for what he described as tireless service to the nation and recalled an earlier interaction with Modi in Anand, Gujarat, when he was serving as a national general secretary. Nabin said he had then observed how Modi listened carefully to people and connected deeply with public sentiment.
Nabin said that by assuming office, he was not merely taking up a post but was accepting the party’s ideology, traditions, and responsibilities. He also thanked senior party leaders for their guidance.
Referring to recent developments in Tamil Nadu, Nabin said opposition parties had attempted to prevent the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on the Thirupparankundram hill. He said this was not an isolated incident and alleged that there had earlier been attempts to initiate impeachment proceedings against a judge. He further referred to opposition reactions when discussions were held on the legacy of Somnath and when festivals were celebrated as symbols of self-respect.
In this context, Nabin said, “In recent times, we have seen how in Tamil Nadu an attempt was made by opposition parties to stop the sacred Karthigai Deepam on a hill. We remember how, not long ago, there was even an attempt to bring impeachment against a judge. Today, when we talk about Somnath and try to celebrate a festival of self-respect, the opposition parties feel troubled. Our view is that the forces which try to stop such traditions need to be defeated. Those who deny the existence of Ram Setu and those who oppose the Karthigai Deepam must not be given any place in the politics of India, and we must strive to ensure this.”
Speaking about upcoming Assembly elections, Nabin said polls would be held in Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, and Puducherry in the coming months. He said demographic changes in these states were being widely discussed and added that shifting population patterns were altering local conditions and posing challenges. However, he said BJP workers would work hard to ensure the party’s victory in all five states.
Source: Dinamalar
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