'Modi absolutely wrong... grateful to Rajiv Gandhi': Shehzad Poonawalla's fresh digs after BJP exit

Shehzad Poonawalla, who recently resigned from all positions within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has continued his criticism of the Congress Party and its Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi. In a video compilation of his media interactions, Poonawalla expressed gratitude to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, crediting him for assisting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in securing victories in the 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Poonawalla shared the video on Wednesday, stating, "Forever indebted to Shri Rajiv Gandhi ji... Inshallah Rajiv Gandhi, is therefore the biggest Modi ji supporter like me."

Poonawalla also issued a warning to Rahul Gandhi, saying, "No filter now - @RahulGandhi be ready." This response came in the wake of a post by Jaipur Dialogues featuring an interview with Poonawalla, in which he recalled being instructed to speak politely when addressing opposition leaders while he was a member of the BJP. In another post, Poonawalla directly criticized the Congress Party over the row surrounding Prime Minister Modi's "dimagi Naxal" remark from his Independence Day speech. He argued that the term should have been "बददिमगी [brainless] Naxal."

In the most recent post, Poonawalla reiterated his criticism, saying, "Rahul Gandhi Was a Pappu, Rahul Gandhi is a Pappu. Rahul Gandhi will forever remain a Pappu." These remarks follow Poonawalla's resignation from all BJP posts, citing pressing financial and personal circumstances. He submitted his resignation letter to BJP national president Nitin Nabin on July 30, requesting confirmation that it would be accepted unconditionally.