Ending speculation over his political career, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has resigned from the party, citing “pressing” financial and personal circumstances.
He revealed that he had first submitted his resignation on July 30, but the party leadership declined to accept it and urged him to reconsider his decision.
Poonawalla submits resignation
Making the announcement in a post on X on Monday (August 17) Poonawalla stated that he wrote to BJP president Nitin Nabin, seeking release from his position as national spokesperson and from the party’s primary membership.
“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,” he said.
Recent events reinforce decision
As for the reason behind his decision to stick to his resignation from the party, Poonawalla cited recent events involving unnamed individuals that he said had strengthened his resolve to leave.
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“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 added.
Thanks party leadership
Poonawalla described the party’s initial refusal to accept his resignation as “extremely touching”, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nitin Nabin, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP general secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh for the opportunities he received during his five years with the party.
“… 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.
Plans move to private sector
Elaborating further, Poonawalla said that he plans to enter the private sector because of his personal and financial circumstances adding that he would continue supporting PM Modi and the BJP.
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“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 not the Vyakti or Vichar,” added Poonawalla.
A lawyer, Poonawalla began his political career with the Congress. He gained attention in 2017 after questioning the party’s internal election process. He later joined the BJP. On July 30, he removed “BJP National Spokesperson” from his X bio while retaining “lifelong follower of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.