In a significant blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) just months before the Delhi Assembly elections, senior leader and minister Kailash Gahlot has resigned from the party. Sources suggest that he may soon join the BJP. Gahlot, who held key portfolios such as Home, Transport, IT, and Women and Child Development, highlighted internal issues within AAP in his resignation letter to party convener Arvind Kejriwal.
Gahlot accused AAP of prioritizing political ambitions over public welfare, citing unfulfilled promises like cleaning the Yamuna River, which he said is now even more polluted. He also criticized controversies such as the ₹45 crore renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence, referred to as “Sheeshmahal” by the BJP, claiming these incidents have tarnished AAP’s image as a party of the common man.
The ‘Sheeshmahal’ controversy has been a recurring attack point for the BJP, which accuses AAP of misusing public funds. AAP, however, defended the renovation, stating that the residence, built in 1942, required extensive work, and the changes were recommended by the Public Works Department.
Gahlot further alleged that AAP’s focus on political disputes with the Centre has hindered its ability to deliver basic services to Delhi residents. “Real progress for Delhi cannot happen if the government spends most of its time fighting the Centre,” he wrote, adding that he had no choice but to step away from the party.
Representing the Nazafgarh Assembly constituency, Gahlot has been a cabinet minister since 2015 and took on the finance portfolio after former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s arrest in a corruption case.
The BJP welcomed his resignation, with spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla stating that Gahlot had exposed how AAP had become the “Khaas Aadmi Party.” Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva praised Gahlot’s decision, calling it a “bold step” and inviting him to join the BJP.
Gahlot’s departure is a major setback for AAP, especially as it prepares for the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, following Kejriwal’s legal troubles and his resignation as Chief Minister, Atishi has taken over the role, with Kejriwal pledging to return to the position only after securing a mandate from the people.
