Poonawalla's '12 years, no dictator' retort to Modi critics after BJP exit

In a pointed response to critics of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said that despite being in power for 12 years, Modi has yet to become a dictator. The remark was made after Poonawalla announced his decision to quit the party, a development that has sparked widespread political discussion.

“12 years and yet to become dictator,” Poonawalla wrote on social media platform X, in an apparent retort to opposition leaders who have consistently accused the Prime Minister of authoritarian tendencies. His comment was accompanied by a link to a news report that quoted a Congress leader criticising the government.

Poonawalla, a lawyer by profession, joined the BJP in 2014 and rose to become one of its most recognisable faces on television debates. Known for his combative style, he often took on the opposition and defended the Modi government’s policies on issues ranging from national security to economic reforms.

His resignation from the party came as a surprise. Poonawalla has not publicly stated a specific reason for leaving, only saying that he would continue to support the Prime Minister’s vision for the country. The latest statement underscores the ongoing ideological battle between the ruling party and the opposition.

For years, critics have pointed to the erosion of institutional independence, the marginalisation of minority communities, and the shrinking space for dissent as evidence of a slide towards authoritarianism. They have cited the use of federal agencies against political opponents and restrictions on press freedom as examples. The government, however, has consistently denied these claims, maintaining that all actions are taken within the constitutional framework and are aimed at the welfare of all citizens.

Poonawalla’s comment, made from outside the party, is being seen by some as an attempt to reinforce his loyalty to the Prime Minister even after quitting. It also comes at a time when the opposition has been trying to forge a united front against the BJP ahead of upcoming elections.

The reaction to Poonawalla’s post has been swift and divided. Supporters of the ruling party have lauded his statement as a fitting response to baseless allegations, while opposition voices have argued that the concentration of power in the Prime Minister’s Office and the targeting of political opponents are themselves signs of authoritarian behaviour.

Allegations of authoritarianism against the Modi government have been a recurring feature of opposition rhetoric since the BJP came to power in 2014. The government has defended itself by emphasising national security and due legal process. Union ministers have repeatedly affirmed that India remains a robust democracy with free and fair elections and an independent judiciary.

Poonawalla, who has been a staunch defender of the government’s stance, appears to be continuing this defence from outside the party. His choice of words—'yet to become dictator'—sarcastically dismisses the criticism while also implying that if it were true, it would have happened by now.

As the news of his resignation and subsequent comment continues to make headlines, it adds another layer to the evolving political landscape. The term 'dictator' has become a recurring theme in political rhetoric, and Poonawalla’s remark is likely to further fuel the discourse ahead of the electoral battles to come.