In a significant political shift, former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday. His move comes mere months ahead of Delhi’s upcoming elections, slated for early next year. AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while acknowledging Gahlot’s exit, remarked that he was “free to join any party.”
AAP Chief Minimizes Impact of Gahlot’s Defection
Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s chief, downplayed the effect of Gahlot’s switch to the BJP, highlighting that Gahlot was welcome to pursue his political path as he chose. Kejriwal emphasized that AAP’s development initiatives across Delhi, particularly in rural areas, would continue uninterrupted.
Gahlot Welcomed into BJP by Senior Leaders
At Gahlot’s official induction into the BJP, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, along with Delhi BJP election head Baijayant Panda and Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva, formally welcomed him. Khattar praised Gahlot’s decision as pivotal, noting Gahlot’s experience as a senior minister. “I am confident you have recognized the efforts of Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi and the BJP’s work before making this choice,” Khattar said.
Raghuvinder Shokeen to Replace Gahlot in Delhi Council of Ministers
Following Gahlot’s resignation, AAP announced that Raghuvinder Shokeen, an MLA representing the Nangloi Jat constituency, would assume Gahlot’s responsibilities in the council of ministers. Shokeen’s appointment aims to stabilize AAP’s cabinet and continue its legislative initiatives.
Gahlot Cites Internal Issues and Unrealized Promises in Resignation Letter
In his resignation letter to Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot detailed the challenges he faced within AAP, noting “serious internal challenges,” “unmet promises,” and “embarrassing controversies” that were hindering progress. He expressed concern that the ongoing friction between the Delhi government and the Union government was obstructing meaningful development for the people of Delhi.
Gahlot, a prominent Jat leader from Najafgarh, has previously held critical portfolios, including transport, home, administrative reforms, women and child development, and information technology. His departure is the latest in a string of high-profile resignations that have stirred Delhi’s political landscape. Earlier this year, ministers Raaj Kumar Anand and Rajendra Pal Gautam also left AAP, joining BJP and Congress, respectively.
BJP and AAP’s Reactions to Gahlot’s Resignation
The BJP welcomed Gahlot’s decision to resign from AAP, describing it as a courageous move. BJP spokespersons claimed his resignation underscored their long-standing criticism of the Delhi government’s administration. Meanwhile, AAP alleged that central investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax Department pressured Gahlot, potentially forcing him to join the BJP.
Internal Rift in AAP Highlighted by August Flag Hoisting Controversy
Speculation of tension between Gahlot and AAP leadership first surfaced in August during a dispute over the Independence Day flag hoisting. While Kejriwal, who was in prison at the time on an excise policy-related case, nominated Atishi to hoist the flag, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena intervened, appointing Gahlot to perform the ceremonial duty instead. This incident signalled potential divisions within the party’s ranks.
Controversies Over Public Spending and Unmet Goals
In his resignation, Gahlot also referred to several controversies, including what he called the “Sheeshmahal” scandal, referring to expensive renovations at the chief minister’s official residence. He questioned whether AAP still prioritized the common people, a principle it was founded on, given its alleged spending of public funds on non-essential projects.
BJP members echoed Gahlot’s concerns, claiming that the AAP government had spent substantial public funds on these renovations.
AAP’s Alleged Neglect of Core Public Issues
Gahlot accused AAP of prioritizing its internal agendas over the fundamental needs of Delhi residents, which he claimed was hindering essential services in the city. He specifically criticized the unfulfilled promise to clean the Yamuna River, pointing out that the river’s pollution levels remain as high as ever despite AAP’s earlier commitments to transform it into a clean water body. He argued that AAP’s political ambitions had compromised its dedication to the people, leaving key promises unfulfilled.
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