'I need to pay my rent': Shehzad Poonawalla on quitting BJP

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has said financial pressures played a major role in his decision to resign from the party, explaining that his political role was no longer enough to meet his personal expenses.

Poonawalla, who has moved from television to active politics, said he now plans to explore opportunities in the private sector while continuing to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP's ideology.

'I need to pay my rent'

Speaking to NDTV, Poonawalla said political parties do not pay their spokespersons and that his role had become financially difficult to sustain.

Also Read | Shehzad Poonawalla's second push to quit BJP: 'Final decision' in fresh letter

“I need to pay my rent. My landlord is not going to give me free rent because I'm from the BJP,” Poonawalla said.

He said the question of leaving the party and moving into the private sector had been under discussion since 2024. Describing his role as a “24X7, 365 days a year” job, he said it was no longer providing enough financial stability.

Asked directly whether financial circumstances had prompted his resignation, Poonawalla replied: “Absolutely!”.

'Neither leta nor beta'

Poonawalla also pointed to his personal background while explaining his decision. Using the phrase “neither leta nor beta”, he said he did not have a political family or legacy to fall back on.

“I don't come from legacy,” he said.

“I neither take anything, nor am I some big politician's beta (son),” he added.

Poonawalla also dismissed suggestions that he was unhappy after being left out of the BJP's latest organisational appointments. He said spokespersons do not have a say in such decisions and that he was not expecting to be included in the new team.

The BJP recently announced 13 vice-presidents, including the return of leaders such as Smriti Irani and Ram Madhav.

Why did Shehzad Poonawalla resign?

Poonawalla submitted his resignation from all party posts and primary membership to BJP president Nitin Nabin on Monday. He had first offered to resign on July 30, but was asked to reconsider.

After what he described as “long and hard contemplation”, he decided to go ahead with his decision.

Also Read | Kejriwal calls Satyendar Jain’s arrest ‘dictatorship’, accuses BJP of political vendetta

“Due to pressing emergency financial and personal circumstances, I will move into the private sector, but wherever possible and in whatever format possible, I will continue to support the vision and work of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP,” he said.

“I am only leaving the Vyavastha (organisation) not the Vyakti (people) or Vichar (ideology),” Poonawalla said.

Speculation about his exit had intensified last month after he removed references to the BJP from his X bio.