Shehzad Poonawalla doubles down on BJP exit, urges party to accept resignation

In a fresh letter to BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Poonawalla cited "financial and personal circumstances" as the reason for seeking to leave the party. The BJP had earlier refused to accept his resignation letter dated July 30 and had asked him to reconsider his decision.

Poonawalla reiterates resignation decision

In his latest letter, Poonawalla said he had arrived at a "final decision" after long and hard contemplation and urged the party to relieve him of his responsibilities.

His letter reads, "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."

"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," Poonawalla added.

Says he will continue to support Modi, BJP

Poonawalla said he plans to move into the private sector due to his financial and personal circumstances.

However, he said he would continue to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

"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," he said.

Refers to events of recent days

Poonawalla also referred to certain individuals and events of the last few days, saying they had reinforced his decision to quit.

"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.

He reiterated that his decision was not driven by any sense of hurt and expressed gratitude towards the BJP's senior leadership for the opportunities provided to him over the past five years.

Political journey

Shehzad Poonawalla began his political career with the Indian Youth Congress and was considered a close associate of several Congress leaders.

He rose to prominence through television debates, where he represented the Congress on political and national issues.

Rift with the Congress

His relationship with the Congress deteriorated in 2017, when he publicly questioned the party's internal election process.

Poonawalla alleged that the election for the Congress president was "fixed" and questioned the elevation of Rahul Gandhi.

His criticism of the party's internal democracy eventually led to his marginalisation within the Congress.

Joining the BJP

In 2022, Poonawalla formally joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of senior party leaders.

Soon after joining the party, he was appointed as a National Spokesperson and became one of the BJP's prominent media faces, regularly representing the party in television debates, press conferences and on social media.