A social media spat has erupted between Mumbai-based model Riya Ahir and former BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla after Ahir failed to secure a public-voted entry into Bigg Boss 20.
Poonawalla criticised Ahir in a social media video, questioning the political support she received after a protest video involving her went viral. He alleged that her online popularity was being used as part of a political narrative and contrasted her with Punjabi actress Love Gill, who won the public vote.
Ahir responded through two reels, calling Poonawalla “uncle” and asking him to stay out of her personal life. She rejected his claims about her political affiliations and challenged him to provide proof for his allegation that she did not respect the Indian Army.
She also defended a controversial remark she made while discussing the protest incident, saying it had been taken out of context.
Poonawalla hit back on X, mocking Ahir over her unsuccessful Bigg Boss entry. He also brought Congress leader Rahul Gandhi into the exchange and disputed Ahir’s claim about their age difference.
The verbal exchange has since drawn attention across social media.