Poonawala Says 2024 Election Outcome Prompted Him to Stay Before Switching to Business

Shahzad Poonawala, the ex‑national spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party, disclosed on September 18 why he chose to resign after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He reiterated that his long‑term plan was to transition back to the private sector after the electoral mandate was decided.

He highlighted that before joining politics, he worked in media where he earned a regular salary. "The media job gave me financial stability and the freedom to express my views," he said. "When I entered politics, the workload became nonstop, and I had to calculate my savings and how many more years I could continue under such pressure."

His assessment showed that sustaining a political career beyond 2024 would be financially challenging. Consequently, he set his mind on leaving politics once the elections were over.

The BJP's tally of 240 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections altered his timeline. Poonawala chose to stay a while longer to help the party navigate the post‑election scenario and to aid in crucial state elections that were on the horizon. After the West Bengal results, he concluded that the moment to shift back to business had finally arrived.

He also clarified that he never aspired to become an MP or a legislator. "My work has always been about a larger mission, not about holding a title," he said, reaffirming his dedication to the party's vision even as he prepares for a new professional chapter.