BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has reportedly resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing personal reasons. While neither Poonawalla nor the BJP has issued an official statement confirming the development, he has removed the designation “BJP National Spokesperson” from his profile on X, formerly Twitter.
His updated bio now reads: “Religion: Islam, Culture: Hindu, Ideology: Bhartiya. Author: GST Ki Yatra; Lifelong follower of PM Narendra Modi.” The reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains unchanged.
According to media reports citing sources, Poonawalla has submitted his resignation to the BJP leadership, citing personal reasons for stepping down.
Hints at leaving active politics
In recent weeks, Poonawalla had shared old video clips on X in which he spoke about his political journey and his desire to move away from active politics.
In one of the clips, originally from an earlier television interview, he said he had planned to leave active politics after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“I have been in active politics for about 18–19 years. Even in 2024, I thought I would step away from active politics after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office for his third term,” he said.
He added that he postponed his decision because of important Assembly elections in states such as West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and Bihar.
“I decided to stay and work hard in those elections. Now I feel it is time to move on from active politics,” he said in the video, which he recently reposted on X.
In another clip, Poonawalla said that contributing to society does not necessarily require holding an elected office.
“If I don’t become an MP, does that mean I have no contribution to society and politics? Some people contribute by becoming elected representatives, while others contribute outside the electoral system,” he said.
From Congress to BJP
A lawyer by profession, Poonawalla began his political career with the Congress. He came into the national spotlight in 2017 after publicly challenging the party’s internal presidential election process, alleging that it was designed to favour Rahul Gandhi.
Following his exit from the Congress, he joined the BJP and was appointed as a national spokesperson. Over the years, he became one of the party’s most recognisable television debaters, frequently defending the Modi government and criticising the Congress and its leadership.
On Friday, despite speculation over his resignation, Poonawalla shared a video praising the BJP.
“Only a BJP can give you a self-made person like Narendra Modi ji. The rest will only promote their children and dynasties. Hence this BJP remains the best bet for the youth,” he wrote while sharing the clip.
Official confirmation awaited
Poonawalla is the younger brother of political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla. The two have often appeared on opposite sides in television debates since Shehzad left the Congress.
As of now, neither the BJP nor Poonawalla has publicly elaborated on the reported resignation beyond references to “personal reasons.” An official confirmation from the party is still awaited.
