New Delhi: BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has reportedly resigned from the party, citing personal reasons, according to sources. However, neither Poonawalla nor the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially confirmed the development.
Speculation about his exit intensified after Poonawalla updated his profile on social media platform X, removing all references to the BJP and his designation as the party’s national spokesperson.
Social media update fuels speculation
Poonawalla’s revised X bio now describes him as a “lifelong follower” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It also includes the line: “Religion Islam, Culture~Hindu, Ideology~Bhartiya.”
Sources claimed that he had submitted his resignation letter to the BJP’s senior leadership. An official statement from the party is still awaited.
From Congress to BJP
Born on October 17, 1986, in Pune, Poonawalla studied at the MIT School of Government before beginning his political career with the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and later serving in the All India Congress Committee (AICC) media cell.
He came into the national spotlight in 2017 after publicly criticising the Congress leadership over dynastic politics during Rahul Gandhi’s elevation as party president. He later joined the BJP and emerged as one of its most recognisable television spokespersons.
Poonawalla is also the brother of political commentator Tehseen Poonawalla.
Prominent face in television debates
Since joining the BJP, Poonawalla has frequently represented the party in television debates and political discussions.
During the 2025 Delhi Assembly election campaign, he announced a fast-unto-death, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party had circulated an edited video to misrepresent his remarks. He had also publicly apologised on another occasion after comments made during a television debate drew criticism from sections of the public.
With no official confirmation yet from either Poonawalla or the BJP, the reasons behind his reported resignation remain unclear.