BJP Maharashtra Reshuffle: Navnath Ban Appointed Chief Spokesperson

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : In a significant organisational reshuffle aimed at strengthening its communication strategy, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Maharashtra on Tuesday appointed first-time Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) corporator Navnath Ban as the party’s new chief spokesperson. The announcement was made by State BJP president Ravindra Chavan on February 24, 2026.

Ban, who previously served as the party’s State media chief, replaces Keshav Upadhye in the crucial role. The elevation signals the party’s intent to project fresh leadership while sharpening its media outreach ahead of upcoming political challenges in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Chavan also unveiled the names of the BJP’s new State office-bearers, including chief spokespersons, vice-presidents, general secretaries, secretaries, the State treasurer, and the presidents of various frontal organisations. He explained that although he had assumed charge as State president several months ago, the formation of the new executive was delayed due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and the conduct of local body elections.

Chavan said the appointments were finalised after extensive consultations with the party’s national leadership, including national president Nitin Nabin, senior leaders Amit Shah, B. L. Santhosh, and Shiv Prakash, as well as Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other key State leaders.

“As per the BJP constitution and considering the political situation in Maharashtra, every karyakarta is capable. However, opportunities are limited,” Chavan said, congratulating those appointed while acknowledging that many deserving workers could not be accommodated in the current executive.

According to the official list released by the party, MLAs Atul Bhatkhalkar, Bharati Pawar, Sanjay Korge, Sanjay Bhende, Ramdas Kadam, Gopichand Padalkar, Priya Shinde, Sujay Vikhe Patil and Archana Patil Chakurkar have been appointed as State vice-presidents.

MLC Niranjan Davkhare, along with Sanjay Kute, Madhavi Naik, Rajesh Pande, Sunil Rane and Yogesh Sagar, have been named general secretaries, while a team of ten leaders has been appointed as secretaries.

In key organisational roles, Krishnaraj Mahadik has been named president of the BJP Yuva Morcha, Chitra Wagh will head the BJP Mahila Morcha, Yogesh Tilekar will lead the BJP OBC Morcha, and MLA Mihir Kotecha has been appointed State treasurer.

The reshuffle is being viewed as a strategic move to energise the party cadre and sharpen the BJP’s political and communication machinery across Maharashtra.