Shehzad Poonawalla resigns from BJP, cites financial and personal circumstances

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Monday resigned from all party positions and its primary membership, citing "pressing emergency financial and personal circumstances" and saying he would move to the private sector.

Poonawalla said he had submitted his resignation to BJP national president Nitin Nabin and requested him to accept it. He also posted his resignation letter on X.

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In the letter, Poonawalla said he had first offered to resign unconditionally from all positions and primary membership of the BJP on July 30, but the party had asked him to reconsider his decision.

He said he was moved by the party's reluctance to accept his resignation immediately, but had now made a final decision to step down as national spokesperson and an active primary member.

"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 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.

Poonawalla said his decision was driven by urgent personal and financial circumstances and that he would now enter the private sector.

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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," he said.

"Like I said, I am only leaving the Vyavastha, not the Vyakti or Vichar," he added.

Poonawalla also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the BJP president and senior party leaders, as well as the "Sangh Parivaar", for their "guidance, love, respect".

"In no other country and no other party would a story like mine, of a young, Pasmanda Muslim, non-dynast, even be possible," he said.

His resignation comes after speculation over his future in the BJP. On July 31, Poonawalla changed his X bio, removing references to the party, although there was no official confirmation of his departure at the time.

Poonawalla joined the BJP in December 2017 after leaving the Congress.