Shehzad Poonawalla removes BJP from X bio, fuels exit rumours

Shehzad Poonawalla's updated X bio, which now has no reference to the BJP, has sparked speculation about whether he has resigned from the saffron party and also about his future in active politics.

The BJP national spokesperson shared the updated X bio on Friday (July 31), where he described himself as the author of ‘GST ki Yatra’ and a “lifelong follower" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But there is no reference to the ruling party at the Centre.

However, despite several media reports claiming that he has resigned from the BJP, there has been no official statement or confirmation from either Poonawalla or the party leadership.

According to a report by CNN-News18, citing sources, Poonawalla tendered his resignation to the party leadership, citing personal reasons.

X Bio fuels speculation

Poonawalla's updated social media bio, sans any reference to the BJP, comes days after he reposted videos wherein he spoke about leaving active politics.

A look at his X account shows that one of the reposted videos is from January 2025. The clip shows Poonawalla speaking on the difference between electoral success and public service.

“It is a problem that we merge the political goal with electoral goal. They are two different things. Thinking that I make societal contribution only after my electoral goals are met is a mistake. If I don't become an MP, does that mean I have no contribution in society and politics?,” said Poonawalla in the clip as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

“Should I spend all my energy on running behind these positions? I think everyone should think what they can contribute for the country. Some people contribute my becoming elected representatives, while some go out of this system and try to contribute. That does not mean we are apolitical,” he added.

Exit hints resurface

Poonawalla, in another clip, is heard saying that in 2024 he had already decided to leave active politics but changed his mind in view of crucial elections in West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Maharashtra.

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“In 2024, I had decided that I will quit active politics. But I stayed for crucial polls such as Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, Maharashtra. Now I feel that it is time to move on from active politics,” he said in the clip.

What makes it more intriguing is the caption Poonawalla first shared the video on June 28: “I’m already 2 years late on this..” and reposted it on Thursday, adding to speculation about his next move.”

BJP journey

Poonawalla joined the BJP in 2017 after leaving the Congress over differences regarding the party's presidential election process. He was later appointed national spokesperson and became one of the BJP's regular faces on television debates and political forums.

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A lawyer and activist, the 38-year-old frequently defended the BJP and PM Modi while attacking the Congress and its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. In 2021, he was also appointed in-charge of the BJP's social media wing in Delhi.

(With agency inputs)