Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla resigned from all positions and primary membership of the party in a letter to Nitin Nabin dated August 17, 2026. The letter was shared on Mr. Poonawalla’s X account.

Also read | Updated X bio sans BJP triggers speculation of Shehzad Poonawalla quitting party

Mr. Poonawalla cited ‘pressing financial and personal circumstances’ as the reasons behind the resignation. He had earlier submitted a letter on July 30, 2026, which was rejected by the BJP leadership and requested Mr. Poonawalla 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 myself from my role as National Spokesperson and primary membership of the BJP,” read the letter shared on X.

Mr. Poonawalla has said that he would be moving to the private sector in the wake of his financial and personal circumstances. He also added that he would continue to ‘support the vision and work of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP’.

Earlier, on July 31, 2026, Mr. Poonawalla updated his X bio with no mention of the BJP in it, setting off speculation that he may have quit the party.

Published - August 17, 2026 11:28 am IST