- Shehzad Poonawalla resigned as BJP national spokesperson, citing financial and personal reasons
- He first submitted his resignation on July 30, but BJP initially refused to accept it
- Poonawalla expressed gratitude to BJP leaders and PM Modi in his resignation letter
BJP's national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Monday quit the party, citing "pressing" financial and personal circumstances.
Poonawalla, one of the ruling party's most visible faces in TV debates, said he first sent his resignation letter on July 30, but the BJP didn't accept it and asked him to reconsider his decision.
"But 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," the 38-year-old said in a resignation letter sent to BJP president Nitin Nabin.
"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 without taking any names.
He also said it was "extremely touching" that the party initially refused to accept his resignation letter.
Resignation Letter.
— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) August 17, 2026
With utmost humility, sense of affection & gratitude i have once again submitted my resignation letter to @BJP4India & Hon'ble Shri @NitinNabin ji & have requested that the same be accepted.
Eternally grateful for guidance, love, respect and platform that… pic.twitter.com/yUvyJiWNdX
"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 added.
"As stated earlier, 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. Like I said, I am only leaving the Vyavastha (organisation) not the Vyakti (people) or Vichar (ideology)," Poonawalla, who was earlier with Congress, said.
Poonawalla had in late July changed his bio on X handle, removing "BJP National Spokesperson" but retaining "lifelong follower of Prime Minister Narendra Modi".
Shehzad Poonawalla's Journey
Shehzad Poonawalla, a lawyer, began his political journey with the Congress.
He shot to prominence in 2017 when he publicly challenged the internal election process of the Congress, claiming it was "rigged" in favour of Rahul Gandhi to elevate him to the post of party president.
Shehzad Poonawalla during a press conference in August 2022
A younger brother of political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla, he later quit the Congress and joined the BJP.
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