Shehzad Poonawalla explains why he quit the BJP

Television debate veteran Shehzad Poonawalla has formally bid farewell to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing a mix of financial strain and personal considerations. While he has repeatedly stressed that his departure was not a rejection of the party's ideology, he used a recent interview to clarify the circumstances that led to his exit.

Financial pressures drove the decision

Poonawalla explained that the lack of a regular salary for party spokespersons placed a heavy burden on his personal finances. He recounted how his landlord continued to demand rent on the first of each month, reminding him that his affiliation with the BJP did not entitle him to a free residence. "Political parties do not pay their workers," he said, adding that activism is driven by belief rather than remuneration.

Ideology remains unchanged

Despite stepping away from the BJP, Poonawalla insisted that his core beliefs have not shifted. He described his involvement in politics as a matter of devotion to a set of ideas and to the individuals he respects within the organisation. "If I ever return to politics, it will be with the BJP," he affirmed, underscoring his continued admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Criticism of the opposition

During the same interview, Poonawalla did not shy away from targeting the Indian National Congress. He accused the party of lacking a clear vision and suggested that its leaders were out of touch with the aspirations of ordinary citizens. His remarks reflected a long‑standing pattern of defending the BJP's policies while challenging the opposition's credibility.

Was leaving a choice or a compulsion

When asked whether his resignation was a voluntary choice or a forced one, Poonawalla described it as a “compulsion”. He clarified that under different circumstances he would not have left the party, but the prevailing situation left him with little alternative. This sentiment echoed earlier statements made by former party spokespersons who have also cited economic and personal reasons for stepping back from active politics.

Resignation timeline and gratitude

Poonawalla submitted his resignation in July, formally ending his tenure as a BJP spokesperson. In his farewell note, he expressed gratitude to senior leaders such as Home Minister Amit Shah, while reaffirming his support for the Prime Minister. He also highlighted his willingness to contribute to the private sector, believing that his skills could be valuable outside the political arena.

A brief look at his political journey

Before aligning with the BJP, Poonawalla was associated with the Congress party, but later switched allegiance, becoming a prominent voice for the BJP on televised debates. Over the years, he has been a regular participant in discussions on national issues, often defending the party's stance on a range of topics.