One defends the Gandhis with near-religious zeal. The other champion, Modi, with smiling conviction. The Poonawalla brothers – once inseparable – now stand on opposite ends of India’s ideological spectrum and are rarely on speaking terms. Their paths have dramatically diverged, leading to a public and personal estrangement that mirrors the deep ideological divides within India’s political landscape.
A shared beginning
Both brothers embarked on their political odyssey in 2008, immersing themselves in the Congress party’s activities. Shehzad, a law graduate from Savitribai Phule Pune University who also attended the MIT School of Government in Pune, built a foundation in governance and policy. He undertook an internship with the Congress’s media research team in Delhi, forging connections with senior leaders such as Digvijaya Singh, Rajeev Shukla, and Manish Tewari.
Tehseen, on the other hand, took to television, emerging as a staunch Congress supporter and regularly defending the party’s positions with vigour.
The rupture
The harmony shattered in 2017 when Shehzad publicly criticised the internal election process of the Congress party, labelling it a ‘sham’ and accusing it of being rigged to favour dynastic succession. He challenged Rahul Gandhi’s impending elevation to party president, asserting that the process was undemocratic. This bold stance not only garnered national attention but also drew praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who commended Shehzad for exposing the alleged rigging within the Congress.
Tehseen’s reaction was swift and severe. Expressing profound hurt, he publicly disowned Shehzad, stating, ‘I officially end all relationship with @Shehzad_Ind. I have never been this hurt.’ He emphasised the necessity of defeating the BJP and viewed Shehzad’s actions as a betrayal of that cause.
Tehseen’s unwavering loyalty to the Congress and the Gandhi family has remained evident. He pursued studies in law and politics at MIT Pune, and began his career hosting political debate shows. Over time, he became a familiar face on news channels, and contributed columns to various newspapers and magazines – all of which reinforced his image as a Congress loyalist.
Shehzad’s ideological shift
Following his departure from the Congress, Shehzad gravitated towards the BJP, aligning himself with its leadership and ideology. His critiques of dynastic politics resonated with the BJP’s narrative, and he became a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
In December 2021, Shehzad was appointed head of the BJP’s social media and IT cell in Delhi, cementing his role within the party. His open embrace of Hindutva principles has further delineated his ideological stance, sharply contrasting with Tehseen’s more secular positioning.
Contrasting demeanours
Their television appearances highlight their divergent personas as much as their politics. Shehzad often presents his arguments with a cheerful and composed demeanour, articulating his points with clarity and confidence. Tehseen, by contrast, tends to appear intense – sometimes grumpy – perhaps reflecting the strain of defending a party under constant scrutiny.
Years after their public fallout, Tehseen reflected on the estrangement, describing it as a ‘karmic debt’ he had to pay. He admitted to the pain of their separation, stating, ‘We don’t talk. And it hurts me a lot… It has been seven years and now I have come to terms with it.’
Despite the personal anguish, both brothers have remained unwavering in their political paths – a testimony to how ideology can reshape even the closest relationships.