India, Aug. 18 -- Shehzad Poonawalla's decision to quit the BJP came after years of uncertainty over his political role, but the immediate reasons were financial and personal circumstances that required him to return to the private sector, the 38-year-old has said.

The BJP national spokesperson submitted his resignation from all party posts and primary membership to party president Nitin Nabin on Monday. He first offered to resign on July 30, but the party asked him to reconsider.

After "long and hard contemplation", Poonawalla said he decided to stick to his decision.

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