Shehzad Poonawalla again quits BJP, cites financial reasons

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has for the second time submitted his resignation from the party, citing “pressing emergency financial and personal circumstances.” In a post on X, Poonawalla said he had asked the party to relieve him from his role as National Spokesperson and as an active primary member. Business Today reports that the BJP had earlier refused his resignation and asked him to reconsider.

Poonawalla said his decision was reinforced by “the events of the last few days” involving certain individuals he had already flagged to the party leadership. He stated that he would move into the private sector but continue to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s vision “wherever possible.” He thanked BJP chief Nitin Nabin, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and BL Santosh.

Separately, Hindustan Times reports that a day before his public resignation, Poonawalla posted a video on Instagram under his initiative ‘The Manifesto,’ saying the Indian middle class was being “looted in broad daylight” and treated like an “ATM” by the government. He called for lower taxes and higher income-tax slabs for salaried taxpayers. His resignation from July 30 remains pending approval.