Kailash Gahlot Joins BJP After Leaving AAP, Cites Internal Party Issues
NEW DELHI: In a significant political development, former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot has switched sides, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just a day after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In a resignation letter addressed to AAP leadership, Gahlot cited “grave challenges from within the party” as his reason for leaving.
Gahlot, who previously served as Delhi’s Transport Minister, officially announced his departure from AAP on Sunday. His resignation comes amid internal turmoil within the party. In his letter, Gahlot criticized AAP’s leadership, stating that political ambitions had taken precedence over the party’s promises to the people. He pointed to the unfulfilled promise of cleaning up the Yamuna River, which he claimed is now more polluted than ever.
Following his resignation, BJP leaders welcomed Gahlot, praising his decision to leave AAP and for “showing the mirror” to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. However, AAP responded by alleging that Gahlot’s move was driven by pressure from impending ED and CBI investigations.
Addressing speculations surrounding his switch, Gahlot clarified that his decision was not taken lightly. “Leaving AAP was not an easy step,” he said. “I was part of the AAP from its inception during the Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement and have worked tirelessly for Delhi. Some may think this was an overnight decision or that I was pressured, but I have never made decisions under pressure.”
Gahlot’s exit is seen as a setback for AAP, especially with the Delhi Assembly elections fast approaching. The BJP, which swept all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi during the recent general elections, is poised to challenge AAP’s control of the capital once again. The assembly elections are expected to take place before February 2025, with the official dates to be announced by the Election Commission soon.
Arvind Kejriwal, responding to Gahlot’s departure, remarked that the former minister was “free to go wherever he wants,” downplaying the impact on the party. However, the resignation is likely to intensify political tensions as Delhi heads into the election season.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
