The BJP’s leadership today is dominated by a pair of leaders who are considered the party’s “high command.” Traditionally, the term “high command” was linked with the Congress party and the Nehru-Gandhi family. Indira Gandhi, in particular, was seen as the original “high command” of Congress. The term describes the concentration of decision-making power in the hands of a few leaders, rather than through democratic processes inside the party. However, in a notable change, this idea of a strong central leadership has now shifted from Congress to the BJP, centered around Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. These two are often called India’s political “jodi number one” because of their close partnership and influence over party decisions.
Recently, the BJP surprised many by appointing Nitin Nabin as its national working president. Nabin, a four-time MLA and state minister from Bihar, was largely unknown outside his home state. Political commentators did not mention his name while speculating about possible appointments. Yet, his selection was announced without opposition, showing the power of the Modi-Shah duo. The decision was made almost entirely by the top leadership and was accepted without internal debate, highlighting the centralized nature of decision-making within the BJP today. The party’s RSS allies also supported this appointment.
The BJP’s style of decision-making contrasts sharply with that of the Congress party. In Congress, internal disagreements are common, and leadership decisions often face delays. For example, in 2022, the Congress high command struggled to convince Ashok Gehlot, then Rajasthan Chief Minister, to accept the party president’s post. Similarly, decisions on state leadership, such as in Karnataka, have been debated publicly. Senior leaders like Shashi Tharoor often express their opinions openly without immediate consequences, showing that there is some space for dissent within Congress.
In contrast, the BJP’s top leadership exerts tight control over decisions. From choosing chief ministers to forming party strategies, all important decisions pass through Modi and Shah. Examples include Rajasthan in 2023, where Bhajan Lal Sharma, a first-time MLA, was made Chief Minister over the more experienced Vasundhara Raje. Similarly, in Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, another first-time MLA, was promoted to the Chief Minister’s post. These moves demonstrate how the party leadership can override local expectations and centralize power in Delhi. While this approach is reminiscent of Indira Gandhi’s style, Modi and Shah have added their own strategic edge.
The BJP high command has also used its authority to create generational change within the party. Many state chief ministers are in their fifties, giving the party a younger and more energetic leadership profile. Older leaders have been moved into ceremonial roles or advisory positions, unlike in Congress, where senior leaders continue to dominate, and younger leaders often wait for their opportunity. This strategy allows the BJP to maintain a clear and unified leadership image while preparing for the future.
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At the heart of this leadership model is a focus on loyalty and alignment. Important positions in the party, at both state and national levels, are given to those close to Amit Shah, ensuring continuity of influence and control. Shah himself is only 61 but has become a key architect of the BJP’s internal structure. His role in appointments, such as the UP BJP president or the national working president, shows how centralized and disciplined the party has become under the Modi-Shah partnership. This also means that predicting future moves of the BJP’s high command is challenging, as decisions are largely confined to the top duo.
The centralization of power in the BJP reflects a personality-driven party culture. Both Modi and Shah are admired and feared within the party, which helps maintain order and discipline. The concentration of decision-making power allows the leadership to act quickly, but it also limits internal debate. While Congress high command has weakened over the years, losing its ability to enforce strict discipline, the BJP’s leadership has strengthened its control and effectively shaped the party’s political direction.
The comparison with Congress also shows the differences in party dynamics. In Congress, internal democracy allows for disagreements, delays, and public debates over appointments or strategies. The BJP, by contrast, acts decisively and strategically, often promoting younger leaders and implementing decisions without public dissent. This approach has helped the party maintain a strong and cohesive image while continuing to win elections.
In conclusion, the BJP’s “high command” is defined by the partnership of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. They have centralized decision-making, promoted loyal and younger leaders, and ensured the party maintains a disciplined and unified approach. This style contrasts with the Congress, where power is still concentrated in the older generation and decisions often face internal debate. The Modi-Shah leadership has reshaped the BJP into a personality-driven, strategically coordinated party, capable of quick and decisive action. This combination of authority, discipline, and strategic appointments has made them India’s political “jodi number one” and the modern example of a high command in Indian politics.
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