Taxpayers pay, but where are the facilities? Shehzad Poonawalla’s explosive middle-class demand after BJP exit

Poonwalla raises concerns over tax burden

In a post on X, Poonwalla raised concerns about the tax burden on India's middle class, questioning whether taxpayers are getting world-class public infrastructure and facilities in return.

Calls for better facilities or tax relief

Poonwalla said governments should either provide world-class infrastructure and greater accountability comparable to Singapore or consider tax relief measures for the salaried middle class.

He suggested abolishing personal income tax for the salaried middle class until better public facilities are made available.

Post refers to tax reform demands

The X post also featured excerpts from his own video manifesto and a collage of recent national media reports highlighting his tax reform demands around the time of his resignation from the BJP.

The former BJP spokesperson wrote, "Middle Class is asking all governments.. If we pay Global Standard Taxes Do we have Global Standard facilities ? Overall our Public Schools, roads, breathing air and drinking water ? States need to answer this. Personal Income Tax, GST, Tolls, Cess, Fuel Taxes, Local Taxes.. I don’t object to contributing.

"But after everything I contribute, what am I getting back? Why can’t India’s middle class get the Singapore deal as a starter— lower taxes, better roads, better transport, better civic infrastructure and greater accountability for every rupee it pays from every authority that extracts a tax in one or other form."

On Monday, Poonawalla pressed the BJP to accept his resignation weeks after he stepped down as the party's national spokesperson and from its primary membership.

In a fresh letter to BJP national president Nitin Nabin, Poonawalla cited "financial and personal circumstances" as the reason for seeking to leave the party. The BJP had earlier refused to accept his resignation letter dated July 30 and had asked him to reconsider his decision.

Poonawalla reiterates resignation decision

In his latest letter, Poonawalla said he had arrived at a "final decision" after long and hard contemplation and urged the party to relieve him of his responsibilities.

His letter reads, "It was extremely touching and I am indeed grateful that the party refused to accept my resignation letter immediately and requested me to reconsider the decision."

"But after long and hard contemplation, I have arrived at a final decision that I would like to press for relieving me from my role as National Spokesperson and active primary membership of the BJP," Poonawalla added.

Says he will continue to support Modi, BJP

Poonawalla said he plans to move into the private sector due to his financial and personal circumstances.

However, he said he would continue to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

"As stated earlier, due to pressing emergency financial and personal circumstances, I will move into the private sector, but wherever possible and in whatever format possible, I will continue to support the vision and work of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP," he said.

Refers to events of recent days

Poonawalla also referred to certain individuals and events of the last few days, saying they had reinforced his decision to quit.

"The events of the last few days, courtesy certain individuals about whom I have told you in great detail, have forced me to reinforce and stand by my earlier decision," he said.

He reiterated that his decision was not driven by any sense of hurt and expressed gratitude towards the BJP's senior leadership for the opportunities provided to him over the past five years.