NEW DELHI — In a move that sent ripples through India’s political circles, Shehzad Poonawalla, one of the most visible faces of the ruling party on national television, has resigned from all positions and the primary membership of the BJP.
Speaking in his first interview following his exit, the former national spokesperson cited pressing personal and financial constraints, highlighting a harsh reality of political life: party offices rarely come with a paycheck.
“I need to pay my rent. My landlord is not going to give me free rent because I’m from the BJP… Political parties don’t pay karyakartas,” Poonawalla stated, dispelling rumors surrounding his sudden departure.
The Struggles of a First-Generation Politician
Poonawalla, who transitioned to the BJP in 2021 after leaving the Congress, emphasized that his resignation was neither an impulse nor a dispute over ideology. Instead, he framed it as the practical reality facing a first-generation politician operating without a family safety net or generational wealth.
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No Financial Safety Net: Differentiating himself from dynastic politicians—whom he categorized as the “beta” (hereditary) group—or those leveraging political influence for personal gain (“leta”), Poonawalla noted that ordinary workers must find independent means to sustain themselves.
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Ideological Alignment Intact: He clarified that political parties represent an ideological opportunity rather than formal employment. Poonawalla re-affirmed his full commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and the BJP’s core ideology.
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Deliberate Decision: While rumors pointed to internal conflicts or social media speculation, Poonawalla insisted he had been contemplating the decision since 2024. He acknowledged that senior party leaders reached out in late July to offer support, but noted his conscience prevented him from viewing the party as a source of livelihood.
Internal Friction and Public Stances
Addressing vague references in his resignation letter regarding recent events brought on by “certain individuals,” Poonawalla acknowledged typical organizational friction. Without naming specific colleagues, he noted that internal competition and rivalry are standard dynamics in public life.
Recently, Poonawalla drew attention after publishing a video advocating for tax relief for the middle class, prompting questions about his timing. He clarified that his comments were made strictly as a private citizen (nagrik) targeting overall taxation—including state-level tolls and cesses—rather than critiquing the central government.
No Return to the Opposition
Despite his exit from the ruling party, Poonawalla firmly ruled out joining the Congress or any other political outfit, humorously setting impossible conditions for a return to his former party, including a complete overhaul of its top leadership.
Reiterating that the BJP remains the premier political platform in the country, Poonawalla maintained that he does not need an official post or title to continue supporting its overarching vision.
