BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla has submitted his resignation from the party once again, asking BJP national president Nitin Nabin to formally accept his decision to step away from active party membership and his position as national spokesperson.
In a letter dated August 17, Poonawalla said he had already offered to resign from the BJP and all party positions on July 30, but the resignation was not accepted at the time.
He said that after giving the matter considerable thought, he had now reached a “final decision” to leave his active role in the party.
Poonawalla Resigns Again
Addressing Nitin Nabin, Poonawalla recalled his earlier resignation offer and said he was thankful that the BJP leadership had initially asked him to reconsider.
However, he said that after “long and hard contemplation”, he had decided to proceed with his resignation.
Poonawalla said recent developments over the past few days had further strengthened his decision.
His latest request is for the BJP leadership to formally release him from the position of national spokesperson as well as from active primary membership of the party.
Financial and Personal Reasons Behind Decision
Poonawalla cited financial and personal circumstances as important factors behind his decision.
He said he now intends to move into the private sector, signalling a shift away from his active political career.
While he is seeking to leave the BJP organisation, Poonawalla made it clear that he does not consider his decision a rejection of the party’s broader political vision.
‘Leaving Vyavastha, Not Vyakti or Vichar’
One of the key messages in Poonawalla’s resignation letter was his distinction between the BJP’s organisational structure and the people and ideas he supports.
He described his decision as leaving the “Vyavastha” rather than the “Vyakti or Vichar”.
In simple terms, Poonawalla indicated that while he was stepping away from the party organisation, he continued to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP’s leadership and the broader ideological vision he associates with the party.
Poonawalla Thanks Modi, Shah and Other BJP Leaders
Despite resigning, Poonawalla expressed gratitude towards several senior BJP leaders.
He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Nitin Nabin, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh.
He also expressed gratitude to former BJP national presidents J.P. Nadda and other senior leaders for the opportunities and support he received during his time in the party.
Poonawalla said he would continue to support the vision and work of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP “wherever possible and in whatever format possible”.
Resignation Letter Shared on X
Poonawalla also posted his resignation letter on X, asking the BJP leadership to accept his decision.
In his message, he described the move as a farewell to the party and to the position of national spokesperson.
At the same time, he reiterated that he would continue to work towards what he described as the vision of “Viksit Bharat” and “Make India Great Again.”
Poonawalla Had Announced His Exit Earlier
The latest resignation comes weeks after Poonawalla had indicated that he was moving away from active politics.
His decision to resign was reported in late July after he removed references to the BJP from his X profile. At that time, personal reasons were cited for his decision.
His latest letter now directly asks the BJP leadership to formally accept his resignation.
Joined BJP After Leaving Congress
Poonawalla joined the BJP in 2017 after leaving the Congress.
Over the years, he became one of the BJP’s prominent television and social media spokespersons and regularly represented the party in political debates.
His resignation marks a significant change in his political career, although his comments suggest that he intends to maintain his stated support for Prime Minister Modi and the BJP’s broader political vision.
What Happens Next?
Poonawalla’s resignation is now awaiting formal acceptance by the BJP leadership.
Until the party formally accepts his resignation, his organisational status will depend on the BJP’s response to his latest request.
For now, Poonawalla has made his position clear: he wants to step away from active party responsibilities and move towards the private sector while continuing to support the political vision he has publicly backed.
