Former BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has explained why he decided to leave the party, saying financial difficulties and the pressure of working full-time in politics played a major role in his decision.
In an interview with NDTV, Poonawalla said that being a political leader did not mean his everyday expenses disappeared. He said he still had to pay rent and manage his living costs despite working for the BJP.
‘Mere Paas Rent Dene Ka Paisa Nahi Hai’
Explaining his situation, Poonawalla said his landlord expected him to pay rent like anyone else.
“Mera makaan maalik mujhe kewal BJP ka neta hone ke liye free rent nahi deta. Mere makaan maalik ne bola bhai rent dena padega. Mere paas rent dene ka paisa nahi hai,” Poonawalla said.
He explained that his decision was not about losing interest in politics but was linked to the financial reality of continuing as a full-time political worker.
‘BJP Mein 24/7/365 Kaam Karte The’
Poonawalla also said his responsibilities within the BJP left him with very little time to pursue other professional opportunities.
“BJP mein jab tha toh 24/7/365 yahan pe karte the kaam. Toh aur kuch karne ka mauka nahi mila,” he said.
According to him, the demanding nature of political work made it difficult to maintain another source of income or take up professional assignments alongside his party responsibilities.
Says He Comes From Middle-Class Background
Poonawalla also pointed to his personal financial background while explaining his decision. He said he does not come from a wealthy political family and cannot depend on inherited wealth to manage his expenses.
He said that for someone from a middle-class background, having a stable income and maintaining savings are important considerations.
BJP Leadership Initially Asked Him To Reconsider
Poonawalla said he had informed BJP leaders about his concerns before formally leaving the party. He submitted his resignation on July 30, but the leadership initially asked him to reconsider his decision.
After considering the available options, Poonawalla said he decided to go ahead with his resignation.
He eventually stepped down as the BJP’s national spokesperson as well as from the party’s primary membership, ending his association with the party after around five years.
Poonawalla To Explore Private Sector Opportunities
Following his exit from active party politics, Poonawalla said he plans to look for opportunities in the private sector.
His comments have brought attention to the financial challenges that can come with working full-time in politics, particularly for political workers who do not have an independent source of wealth or income.
