Shehzad Poonawalla quits BJP? Updated X bio sparks massive buzz

Social media is abuzz with speculation that BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla may have stepped away from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after he updated his profile on X, formerly Twitter.

The speculation began after users noticed that Poonawalla's revised bio no longer mentions the BJP. Instead, it describes him as a "lifelong follower" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bio was updated on Thursday, but Poonawalla has not publicly explained the change.



As of now, there has been no official announcement from either Shehzad Poonawalla or the BJP confirming his resignation, and the change in his social media profile alone does not establish that he has left the party.

Shehzad Poonawalla removes BJP reference from X bio

The updated bio has prompted widespread discussion online, with many questioning whether it signals an exit from active party politics.

Poonawalla joined the BJP in 2017 after leaving the Congress following differences over the party's presidential election process. After joining the BJP, he was appointed a national spokesperson and became one of the party's most recognisable television panellists.

Over the years, he has been a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has frequently criticised the Congress and its senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier posts hinted at political exit

The speculation has been fuelled by several posts shared by Poonawalla in recent weeks.

In one video, originally from January 2025, he argued that public service should not be limited to electoral politics, saying that people can continue contributing to society even without holding elected office.

In another clip, which he first shared on 28 June and reposted on Thursday, Poonawalla said he had intended to leave active politics after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections but stayed on for key Assembly elections in states such as West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar and Maharashtra.

The reposting of that clip, along with the caption, "I'm already 2 years late on this..", has been interpreted by some social media users as a fresh indication that he may be preparing to step away from active politics.

Tehseen Poonawalla's comments draw attention

The online discussion has also coincided with recent remarks by his brother, political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla, who criticised the government's handling of the student protests at Jantar Mantar.

Tehseen Poonawalla alleged that students were at a disadvantage because the government holds disproportionate power. In addition, he questioned the treatment of activist Sonam Wangchuk, arguing that authorities should either have lawfully arrested him or allowed him to continue without obstruction.

He also criticised the government's E20 fuel policy.

No confirmation of BJP exit

Until an official statement is issued, it remains unclear whether the updated social media bio reflects a formal departure from the BJP or simply a personal change in how Shehzad Poonawalla wishes to present himself online.

For now, the speculation continues, but no official confirmation has been made regarding his resignation from the BJP.