Shehzad Poonawalla quitting BJP? X bio update fuels exit speculation, leader yet to make any official announcement
BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla has sparked speculation after removing the 'National Spokesperson, BJP' designation from his X bio and reposting videos about stepping away from active politics. Here's what he said
PTC Web Desk: BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla has triggered widespread speculation after removing the 'National Spokesperson, BJP' designation from his profile on social media platform X. The move, coupled with his reposting of older videos in which he discussed the possibility of leaving active politics, has led to questions about his political future.
However, the 38-year-old leader has not made any official announcement about resigning from the BJP or stepping away from politics.
Updated X bio raises questions
Poonawalla has shared a screenshot of his revised X profile with the caption, "My updated bio."
His new bio reads: "Religion: Islam, Culture: Hindu, Ideology: Bhartiya. Author: GST Ki Yatra; Lifelong follower of PM Narendra Modi."
Noticeably absent from the profile was his earlier designation as National Spokesperson, BJP, prompting speculation on social media. Interestingly, his Instagram profile continues to identify him as the BJP's national spokesperson.
Old videos reposted amid speculation
Nearly two hours after sharing the updated bio, Poonawalla reposted two of his earlier interview clips, dated June 28 and July 9.
In both videos, he speaks about public service extending beyond electoral politics and suggests that contributing to society is not limited to holding political office.
— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) July 30, 2026
— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) July 30, 2026
Poonawalla says he had considered leaving politics
In one of the reposted videos, Poonawalla revealed that he had seriously considered stepping away from active politics after the 2025 Lok Sabha elections. According to him, a viral video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the BJP returned to power for a third consecutive term changed his decision.
Poonawalla said that after seeing the Prime Minister's emotional response and with several key Assembly elections approaching, including West Bengal, Delhi, Maharashtra and Haryana, he decided to continue working for the party.
He explained that he wanted to contribute towards the BJP's campaign efforts in those crucial elections before considering stepping away from active politics.
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No official confirmation yet
Despite the speculation generated by his social media activity, Poonawalla has neither confirmed nor denied reports suggesting that he plans to quit the BJP or active politics.
As of now, there has been no official statement from either Poonawalla or the BJP regarding any change in his political role.
Political journey
A lawyer and activist by profession, Shehzad Poonawalla began his political career with the Congress. He gained national attention in 2017 after openly criticising the party's internal functioning and opposing what he described as dynasty politics during Rahul Gandhi's elevation within the Congress.
He later joined the BJP and emerged as one of the party's prominent television faces, regularly participating in political debates and news discussions. In 2021, he was also appointed in-charge of the BJP's social media wing in Delhi.
For now, while his social media activity has sparked intense speculation, there is no official confirmation that Shehzad Poonawalla is leaving the BJP or active politics.