Wednesday, 9 September 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Shehzad Poonawalla Denies Joining Congress

Former BJP leader dismisses speculation, reaffirms support for BJP and Modi

Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Politics Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Wed, 09 September 2026 at 05:42 pm
Shehzad Poonawalla Denies Joining Congress

Shehzad Poonawalla, a former national spokesperson of the BJP, has denied speculation that he is joining the Congress. In a recent post on X, Poonawalla responded to a user's question about his meeting with Congress leader Pawan Khera, stating that he would never join the Congress.

Poonawalla's clarification came after photos of him speaking with Khera at a condolence meeting went viral, triggering speculation about a possible rapprochement with the Congress. However, Poonawalla explained that the interaction had no political significance and took place at a memorial meeting organised by journalist Payal Mehta.

According to Poonawalla, several political leaders from different parties attended the gathering, and he was speaking with his friend and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju when Khera happened to walk by. Poonawalla briefly brought him into the conversation, congratulated him on his Rajya Sabha election, and continued with the interaction.

Poonawalla also shared uncropped photographs, alleging that a cropped version had been circulated to create a misleading narrative. He categorically stated that he has no issue with the BJP and rejected suggestions that his return to the private sector indicated dissatisfaction with the party.

Poonawalla, a former Congress worker, left the party in 2017 and later joined the BJP, where he served as a national spokesperson. He resigned from the BJP and relinquished his party posts and primary membership in July-August 2026, citing financial pressures and personal responsibilities, while maintaining that he remained a supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP's ideology.

Poonawalla's decision to return to the private sector should not be interpreted as a political shift, he said. He reiterated his respect for the BJP and his admiration for Prime Minister Modi, stating that he would never join the Congress.

The speculation about Poonawalla's possible joining of the Congress was likely fueled by his recent interaction with Khera and his decision to leave the BJP. However, Poonawalla has made it clear that he has no intention of joining the Congress and remains committed to the BJP's ideology.

In the context of Indian politics, Poonawalla's statement is significant as it puts to rest speculation about his possible defection to the Congress. The BJP has been facing challenges from the opposition, and Poonawalla's reaffirmation of support for the party is a boost to its morale.

Overall, Poonawalla's denial of joining the Congress is a significant development in Indian politics, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the coming days.

The implications of Poonawalla's statement are clear: he remains a supporter of the BJP and has no intention of joining the Congress. This development is likely to have a positive impact on the BJP's morale and may help to counter speculation about the party's stability.

In conclusion, Shehzad Poonawalla's denial of joining the Congress is a significant development in Indian politics. His reaffirmation of support for the BJP and Prime Minister Modi is a boost to the party's morale, and it will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the coming days.

The significance of Poonawalla's statement cannot be overstated. It puts to rest speculation about his possible defection to the Congress and reaffirms his commitment to the BJP's ideology. This development is likely to have a positive impact on the BJP's stability and may help to counter challenges from the opposition.

In the end, Poonawalla's denial of joining the Congress is a significant development in Indian politics. It is a boost to the BJP's morale and a reaffirmation of his commitment to the party's ideology. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds in the coming days and what implications it may have for Indian politics.

What it means for Mumbai or India is that the BJP has retained a key supporter, and Poonawalla's statement is likely to have a positive impact on the party's morale. The development is also significant in the context of Indian politics, as it puts to rest speculation about Poonawalla's possible defection to the Congress.

Frequently asked questions

Is Shehzad Poonawalla joining the Congress?

No, Shehzad Poonawalla has denied speculation that he is joining the Congress.

Why did Shehzad Poonawalla meet with Pawan Khera?

Poonawalla met with Khera at a condolence meeting, and the interaction had no political significance.

bjpcongressshehzad poonawallanarendra modi
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