‘Leaving system, not ideology’: Shehzad Poonawalla resubmits resignation to BJP

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla has once again submitted his resignation from all party posts, urging the party to accept it after his earlier resignation was rejected. In a post on social media platform X, Poonawalla confirmed that he had “once again submitted” his resignation letter to BJP president J.P. Nadda and requested that it be accepted.

Expressing gratitude to the party and its senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, J.P. Nadda and B.L. Santhosh, Poonawalla said he was “eternally grateful” for the opportunities and platform provided to him by the BJP and the larger Sangh Parivar. “In no other country and no other party would a story like mine, of a young, Pasmanda Muslim, non dynast, even be possible,” he wrote.

Poonawalla had earlier tendered his resignation from all party posts, but the BJP had not accepted it. In his latest letter, he noted that his previous letter was dated July 30, in which he had offered to resign unconditionally from all positions and primary membership due to “pressing financial and personal circumstances.” He acknowledged that the party had refused to accept the resignation and requested him to reconsider.

“It was extremely touching and I am indeed grateful that the party refused to accept my resignation letter immediately and requested me to reconsider the decision. But after long and hard contemplation, I have arrived at a final decision that I would like to press for relieving me from my role as National Spokesperson and active primary membership of the BJP,” he stated.

Poonawalla added that recent events involving “certain individuals” had reinforced his earlier decision. He said he would move to the private sector due to his financial and personal circumstances, but would continue to support the BJP and the vision of Prime Minister Modi “wherever possible and in whatever format possible.”

“Like I said, I am only leaving the Vyavastha not the Vyakti or Vichar,” he said, clarifying that he is leaving the organisational structure while retaining his support for the party’s leadership and ideology.

Poonawalla, who joined the BJP in 2021 after previously being associated with the Congress, served as a national spokesperson for the party. His repeated resignation attempts have drawn attention, though the BJP has yet to formally respond to his latest request.

Known for his sharp media presence, Poonawalla was a prominent face of the BJP on television debates and social media. His decision to step away from active party roles, even while pledging continued ideological support, raises questions about internal party dynamics, especially after his reference to “certain individuals.”

The development comes at a time when the BJP has been focusing on expanding its outreach among minority communities. Poonawalla, as a Pasmanda Muslim leader, had been seen as part of that effort. His departure from organisational duties, though not from the party’s ideological fold, may be seen as a loss of a visible spokesperson from a minority background.

However, Poonawalla’s statement that he is leaving the “vyavastha” but not the “vyakti” or “vichar” suggests he does not intend to sever ties with the party or its leadership. He has indicated that he will support the BJP from outside the formal party structure.

The BJP has not yet issued an official response to Poonawalla’s latest resignation letter. It remains to be seen whether the party will accept his request this time, or persuade him to continue, as it did earlier.