Shehzad Poonawalla resigns from BJP, updates X profile
New Delhi: Shehzad Poonawalla has resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party, reportedly citing personal reasons. While he has removed all references to the BJP from his X profile, he continues to describe himself as a lifelong follower of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fuelling speculation about his future plans.
The development became public after Poonawalla updated his profile on X, formerly Twitter, removing any mention of the BJP. However, he continues to describe himself as a “lifelong follower” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shehzad Poonawalla resigns from BJP
Poonawalla entered the BJP after leaving the Congress in 2017 following differences over the party’s presidential election process. Soon after joining the BJP, he was appointed as the party’s national spokesperson.
Over the years, he became well known for defending the BJP and Prime Minister Modi during television debates and public discussions. He also frequently criticised the Congress and its senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, through his speeches and social media posts.
Before news of his resignation emerged, Poonawalla had shared several videos from his earlier interviews on X that appeared to suggest he was considering stepping away from active politics.
In one video, originally recorded in January 2025, he reflected on the difference between public service and holding elected office.
He said, “It is a problem that we merge the political goal with electoral goal. They are two different things. Thinking that I make societal contribution only after my electoral goals are met is a mistake. If I don’t become an MP, does that mean I have no contribution in society and politics? Should I spend all my energy on running behind these positions? I think everyone should think what they can contribute for the country. Some people contribute my becoming elected representatives, while some go out of this system and try to contribute. That does not mean we are apolitical.”
In another video posted on his X account, Poonawalla revealed that he had planned to leave active politics after the 2024 general elections but postponed the decision because of several important state elections.
He said, “In 2024, I had decided that I will quit active politics. But I stayed for crucial polls such as Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Maharashtra. Now I feel that it is time to move on from active politics”.
He first shared the clip on June 28 with the caption, “I’m already 2 years late on this.” He reposted it on Thursday, shortly before reports of his resignation surfaced, leading many to believe he had been signalling his decision for some time.