BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has resigned from the party, asking the leadership to relieve him of his primary membership and organisational responsibilities.
Poonawalla submitted his resignation to BJP president Nitin Nabin on Monday, August 17, citing pressing financial and personal circumstances as well as differences with certain individuals within the organisation. His resignation comes ahead of an expected organisational reshuffle.
‘I have arrived at a final decision’
Poonawalla had first submitted his resignation on July 30, but the BJP had rejected it and asked him to reconsider.
In his latest letter, he said, “It was extremely touching and I am indeed grateful that the party refused to accept my resignation letter immediately and requested me to reconsider the decision.”
“After long and hard contemplation, I have arrived at a final decision that I would like to press for relieving me from my role as National Spokesperson and active primary membership of the BJP,” he added.
Poonawalla also referred to recent developments involving certain people within the organisation, without naming anyone.
“The events of the last few days, courtesy certain individuals about whom I have told you in great detail, have forced me to reinforce and stand by my earlier decision,” he said.
‘Leaving the Vyavastha, not the Vyakti or Vichar’
The BJP leader said his decision was also driven by financial difficulties and personal circumstances. He said he plans to move to the private sector.
He expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Nitin Nabin and senior leaders Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and B L Santosh.
“Without any sense of hurt and only with the sense of gratefulness, love, affection, and highest regard for Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, Party President Nitin Nabin Ji, senior leaders like Home Minister Amit Shah Ji, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Ji and General Secretary (Organisation) Shri B.L. Santosh Ji, I would, with all humility at my command, once again thank the party for the platform and opportunities given to me in the last five years,” he wrote.
Poonawalla said he would continue to support Modi and the BJP despite leaving the organisation.
“Due to pressing emergency financial and personal circumstances, I will move into the private sector, but wherever possible and in whatever format possible, I will continue to support the vision and work of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP,” he said.
He added, “I am only leaving the Vyavastha not the Vyakti or Vichar.”
Poonawalla had removed BJP from X bio
Speculation about Poonawalla’s exit had grown after he removed references to the BJP and his position as national spokesperson from his X profile in late July. He retained a reference to being a lifelong follower of Prime Minister Modi.
Poonawalla, a lawyer, began his political career with the Congress. He gained prominence in 2017 after publicly questioning the party’s internal election process during Rahul Gandhi’s elevation as Congress president.
He later left the Congress and joined the BJP, eventually becoming one of the party’s prominent television spokespersons and a vocal defender of the Modi government.
