New Delhi: Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot resigned from the party’s primary membership on Sunday, stating that the AAP had shifted its focus from fighting for people’s rights to pursuing its own political agenda. When questioned about Gahlot’s resignation, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal declined to comment, passing the microphone to a fellow party colleague instead.
While Kejriwal remained silent, senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of engaging in “dirty politics” and conspiring against Gahlot. Speaking to news agency ANI, Singh said, “Kailash Gahlot’s resignation is a part of BJP’s dirty politics and conspiracy. The BJP government conducted ED raids on him. Income Tax raids were carried out at his residence for several days. BJP levelled an allegation of Rs 112 crores against him. He was put under immense pressure, leaving him no choice but to join BJP.”
Why Gahlot quit AAP
The two-term MLA from Najafgarh was allegedly dissatisfied with certain decisions made by the party. According to an NDTV report, tensions began on Independence Day over the unfurling of the national flag in Delhi. At the time, then chief minister Arvind Kejriwal was in jail on charges linked to the alleged liquor policy scam, leaving questions about who would take his place in unfurling the tricolour. Kejriwal tasked Atishi with the responsibility, but Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena deemed the decision invalid and directed Delhi home minister Kailash Gahlot to take charge.
The AAP accused the LG of undermining its authority, calling the move “petty politics”. Atishi criticised the decision, calling it an act of “dictatorship” and questioning the BJP’s commitment to democracy. Gahlot’s decision to comply with the LG’s directive reportedly strained his relationship with Kejriwal and the party.
Another point of contention was the reshuffling of portfolios after Kejriwal resigned as chief minister and Atishi assumed the role. According to an Indian Express report, when portfolios were redistributed following Manish Sisodia’s arrest, major responsibilities like finance and public works went to Atishi. After the reshuffle, Gahlot was left with only transport, home, and women and child development.
Leaders deserting Kejriwal’s party?
Gahlot is not the first AAP leader to leave the party in recent months. Four MLAs, including two ministers, have resigned from AAP. Rajendra Pal Gautam joined Congress in September, while Patel Nagar and Chattarpur MLAs Raaj Kumar Anand and Kartar Singh Tanwar defected to the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections.
Several former AAP leaders have criticised Kejriwal’s leadership style. According to an India Today report, the first rebel MLA, Vinod Kumar Binny, labelled Kejriwal a “dictator” before being expelled from the party. Founding members Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan were also expelled for “anti-party” activities. Bhushan accused Kejriwal of “hooliganism” and suppressing dissent, while Yadav echoed similar allegations. Another co-founder, Shazia Ilmi, quit the party, claiming she was “consistently sidelined” and accusing Kejriwal of being controlled by an inner coterie.
All is not lost for Kejriwal and AAP
While a senior leader resigning ahead of Delhi assembly elections is concerning, the AAP has also managed to attract leaders from rival parties. Hours after Gahlot’s resignation, two-term BJP MLA Anil Jha joined the party in Kejriwal’s presence. Earlier this week, Congress leader and three-term MLA Veer Singh Dhingan, a Dalit leader, also joined AAP.
Last week, Congress veteran Mateen Ahmed, who has won five elections from Seelampur, joined the party following the entry of his son and daughter-in-law two weeks prior. With assembly elections around the corner, expect more leaders to switch their allegiance from one party to other in the national capital.
