New Delhi: BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has once again sought to step away from the Bharatiya Janata Party, urging the party leadership to accept his resignation after his earlier request was turned down.

Poonawalla submitted a fresh resignation letter to BJP president Nitin Nabin on Monday, reiterating his decision to relinquish his responsibilities as the party’s national spokesperson as well as his primary membership. He said he had reached a “final decision” after carefully reconsidering his earlier request.

Why is Shehzad Poonawalla resigning?

In his latest communication, Poonawalla cited pressing financial and personal circumstances as key reasons behind his decision. He also indicated that he intends to move into the private sector.

The BJP leader had initially offered his resignation on July 30. However, the party did not accept it and reportedly asked him to reconsider his decision. Poonawalla has now made it clear that he wishes to proceed with his exit despite the earlier rejection.

Poonawalla also referred to developments over the past few days, suggesting that certain events involving individuals within the organisation had reinforced his decision to step down.

‘Leaving the organisation, not the ideology’

While announcing his decision, Poonawalla sought to distinguish his departure from the BJP's organisational structure from his views and personal regard for senior party leaders.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other senior leaders for the opportunities and guidance he received during his time with the party. Reports on his resignation letter indicate that he described his exit as leaving the organisational “vyavastha”, rather than distancing himself from individuals or ideology.

A second attempt to step down

The latest resignation marks Poonawalla's second attempt to formally leave the BJP. His decision has attracted attention because the party had previously declined to accept his resignation.

By resubmitting the letter and asking the leadership to relieve him of both his organisational responsibilities and primary membership, Poonawalla appears determined to bring his active association with the party to an end.

Poonawalla has been a prominent BJP spokesperson and has frequently represented the party in television debates and political discussions. His decision to leave the organisation therefore marks a notable change in his political journey.

For now, the focus remains on whether the BJP leadership will formally accept his renewed resignation and what role Poonawalla takes up after moving away from active party responsibilities.