The abrupt resignation of Shehzad Poonawalla, a well-known face and national spokesperson of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has stirred much discussion in political circles. He is reported to have stepped down from his party role citing personal reasons, but speculation has begun over whether other political reasons lay behind the decision.
Poonawalla himself confirmed his resignation on Thursday. Soon after, he changed his social-media profile, removing the “BJP national spokesperson” label while keeping his description as a “lifelong follower” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and mentioning his religion, cultural identity and ideology.
Long known as one of the BJP’s main faces in television debates, Poonawalla regularly appeared to present government policy and the party’s positions, and his sharp, aggressive style quickly won him national recognition. His political career had begun in the Congress, where, alongside a legal career, he became known as a young party face. He drew attention in 2017 by publicly questioning the Congress presidential election, alleging the internal process was not impartial and was run to favour a particular leadership. He then left the Congress for the BJP, quickly earning the central leadership’s trust and the national spokesperson role.
Poonawalla had recently posted part of a television interview on social media that was seen as hinting at a step back from active politics, and the resignation followed amid that speculation. He is the younger brother of the well-known political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla; the two brothers have long held sharply different political positions, a gap that widened after Shehzad joined the BJP, and they have been seen strongly criticizing each other in live television debates.
The BJP has not yet commented in detail on the resignation, giving no reason beyond “personal,” which has deepened curiosity. Analysts said the abrupt exit of a nationally known spokesperson was naturally a talking point, especially as it came while the BJP was in intense political battles with the opposition over various national issues. Poonawalla has not said whether he will remain in active politics or take on a different role.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report