BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla has fuelled speculation about a possible exit from active politics after removing the "National Spokesperson, BJP" designation from his X profile. Around the same time, he also reshared clips from earlier interviews in which he spoke about contemplating a departure from politics. However, the 38-year-old has not officially announced that he is leaving either the BJP or active politics.
On Thursday, Poonawalla shared a screenshot of his updated X bio, which now reads: "Religion: Islam, Culture: Hindu, Ideology: Bhartiya. Author: GST Ki Yatra; Lifelong follower of PM Narendra Modi." He captioned the post simply: "My updated bio."
Despite the change on X, his Instagram profile continues to identify him as the BJP's national spokesperson.
Poonawalla also reposted two videos from July 9 and June 28 in which he discussed how public service is not limited to electoral politics.
In one of the clips, he said that social service is far greater than politics and revealed that he had considered stepping away from active politics after the 2025 Lok Sabha elections.
Referring to a viral video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi appearing emotional after returning to power for a third term, Poonawalla said that with key elections in states such as West Bengal, Delhi, Maharashtra and Haryana approaching, he decided to continue working for the party before eventually stepping away.
He reshared both videos nearly two hours after posting the screenshot of his updated X bio.
Poonawalla has been one of the BJP's most prominent voices against the Opposition and is a regular presence on television debates and political forums as the party's national spokesperson. In 2021, he was appointed in charge of the BJP's social media wing in Delhi.
A lawyer and activist, Poonawalla began his political career with the Congress before gaining national attention in 2017 when he openly criticised the party over dynastic politics and opposed Rahul Gandhi's elevation as party president.
