Major jolt to Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot resigns from AAP

Kailash Gahlot claims ‘political ambitions have overtaken party’s commitment to people’

In a major setback for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) just months before the Delhi Assembly elections, senior minister and long-time party leader Kailash Gahlot has resigned, citing internal challenges within the party.

Sources suggest Gahlot, who was in charge of key portfolios like Home, Transport, IT, and Women and Child Development, is likely to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Gahlot, a lawyer by profession and the representative of the Najafgarh Assembly constituency has been a prominent member of AAP since its inception. In his resignation letter addressed to AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot pointed out the “grave challenges” facing the party and expressed his dissatisfaction with the current leadership.

“Political ambitions have overtaken our commitment towards people, leaving many promises unfulfilled. Take for example the Yamuna, which we had promised to transform into a clean river, but never got around to doing it. Now the Yamuna River is perhaps even more polluted than ever before,” he wrote.

Gahlot also made an apparent reference to controversies surrounding Kejriwal, notably the “Sheeshmahal” issue — a term used by the BJP to describe the renovation of the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence. He criticized the controversies, saying, “Such controversies are now making everyone doubt whether we still believe in being the Aam Aadmi.”

In his letter, Gahlot explained that AAP had become focused on “fighting for our own political agenda,” which he believed had “severely crippled our ability to even deliver basic services to the people of Delhi.” He added, “It is now obvious that real progress for Delhi cannot happen if the Delhi government spends the majority of its time fighting with the Centre.”

Gahlot further elaborated on his decision to step down: “I had started my political journey with the commitment to serve the people of Delhi, and I want to continue doing that. This is why, I find myself left with no option but to step away from AAP and hence I resign from the primary membership of Aam Aadmi Party. I wish you the best for your health and future,” he concluded his letter.

Having been a cabinet minister since 2015, Gahlot took on additional responsibilities after the arrest of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a corruption case last year, including handling the crucial Finance portfolio.

In response to Gahlot’s resignation, the BJP quickly welcomed his criticism of the AAP leadership. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla remarked that Gahlot’s departure underscored how “Aam Aadmi Party has become Khaas (special) Aadmi Party.” He added, “They have broken all promises they made to people. AAP has become the Arvind Aadmi Party. Their leader has exposed them.”

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva hailed Gahlot’s decision as a “bold step,” stating, “This proves that even people in Arvind Kejriwal’s party believe that he has misused Delhi taxpayers’ money for Sheeshmahal. No honest person who loves Delhi will work with the robbers’ gang led by Arvind Kejriwal.” Sachdeva also extended an invitation for Gahlot to join the BJP, should he choose to do so.

Gahlot’s resignation marks a significant blow to AAP as it prepares for the upcoming Delhi elections. His departure from the party and criticism of its leadership are likely to have political ramifications as AAP grapples with internal dissent and external challenges.

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