New Delhi: The resignation of Kailash Gahlot from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has thrown the party into disarray, casting a shadow over its internal dynamics and strategy for the upcoming elections. With mounting external pressures and internal dissent, AAP finds itself in a precarious position ahead of the assembly polls in the national capital.
Tensions between Gahlot and AAP leadership have been brewing since August 15, during the Delhi government’s Independence Day celebrations. With Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in jail due to his alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor policy, Gahlot was unexpectedly assigned the ceremonial duty of unfurling the national flag by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, despite Kejriwal directing Education Minister Atishi to take the lead.
Rumours circulated about Gahlot’s growing closeness to Lieutenant Governor Saxena, who attended several Transport Department events alongside him. Gahlot’s acceptance of the L-G’s directive led to further discontent within AAP ranks.
This intervention by Saxena sparked a public clash, with AAP accusing the L-G of engaging in “petty politics.” Atishi condemned the L-G’s decision as a “dictatorship,” which reportedly strained Gahlot’s relationships within the party.
The discord escalated further in December 2022 when the Law Department was reassigned from Gahlot to Atishi, a move attributed to delays in pending work. Following Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia’s arrest, Gahlot’s portfolio was further diminished, leaving him with transport, home, and women and child development, while Atishi took charge of more significant portfolios like finance and urban development.
The situation intensified when Kejriwal was arrested in March amid investigations into the excise policy case. Speculation arose that Gahlot might defect to the BJP, especially after it was revealed that AAP communications in-charge Vijay Nair had been living in Gahlot’s government bungalow. However, Gahlot remained loyal to AAP, actively participating in party meetings and protests upon his leaders’ release from prison.
Despite losing key portfolios such as Law and Revenue to Atishi, Gahlot publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Kejriwal, even likening himself to “Hanuman” serving “Lord Ram.”
Gahlot, a native of Mitraon village and a law graduate from Delhi University, joined AAP in 2015 and quickly became its Jaat face, winning his Assembly seat in Najafgarh twice. His sudden departure from AAP has set political circles abuzz. Some see it as a bold tactical move, aimed at positioning himself for a larger role in the upcoming power struggle. His exit raises questions, Is he strategically distancing himself from AAP to forge new alliances? Or is he seeking a stronger political foothold ahead of the polls, possibly eyeing a bigger role in the party?
