Shehzad Poonawalla Resigns From BJP

New Delhi – BJP’s outspoken national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has reportedly resigned from the party’s primary membership. While there has been no official announcement yet, changes in his social media bio and other indications have sparked speculation. 

The 38-year-old lawyer and TV face, known for strongly defending the BJP and PM Narendra Modi on news debates, is said to have submitted his resignation to the party leadership.

Early Life And Legal Background

Born in 1987 in Pune, Shehzad Poonawalla is a lawyer and social activist by profession. He lost his father early and was raised by his mother Yasmin Poonawalla along with his brother Tasleem Poonawalla, who is also a social activist.

Both brothers began their political journey together in Congress, but later grew apart after Shehzad decided to quit the party.

Political Journey: Congress To BJP

Shehzad started his political career with Congress in 2008. He rose through the ranks as Vice President of Pune Youth Congress, later working in the party’s media cell and eventually becoming General Secretary of Maharashtra Congress.

The break came in 2017 when he questioned the Congress president election process. He alleged the system was being managed to ensure Rahul Gandhi’s elevation and demanded transparency, even asking Gandhi to resign and contest as an ordinary worker. Amid rising tensions, he left Congress.

Entry Into BJP After PM Modi’s Praise

During the Gujarat Assembly elections, PM Modi publicly praised Shehzad for his courage in speaking against his own party. That endorsement changed the course of his politics. 

Soon after, Shehzad joined the BJP and was quickly elevated to national spokesperson. He became one of the party’s most visible faces on television, defending government policies on issues like UCC, Triple Talaq, and CAA. As a Muslim voice in a Hindutva party, he was projected as an example of the BJP’s inclusivity.

Why He Resigned Now

In an old podcast, Shehzad had said he wanted to quit active politics after 2024. But after seeing PM Modi’s expression post the 2024 Lok Sabha results, he decided to stay and help the party in upcoming state elections in Bengal, Maharashtra, Haryana and Bihar. 

A change in his X bio confirmed the news of his resignation

Now, he has chosen to step down from BJP’s primary membership, citing personal reasons.