Delhi minister and long-time Aam Aadmi Party leader Kailash Gahlot resigned from the party and the Council of Ministers on Sunday, months before the Delhi Assembly elections.
Gahlot has at various times held the home, transport, information technology and women and child development portfolios in the Delhi government. He is the MLA from Delhi’s Najafgarh seat.
In his other resignation letter to party leader Arvind Kejriwal Gahlot highlighted “grave challenges” within the party, stating, “Political ambitions have overtaken our commitment towards people, leaving many promises unfulfilled.”
Gahlot pointed out the party’s failure to ecologically restore the Yamuna River, which remains heavily polluted despite promises. Additionally, Gahlot referenced controversies such as the “Sheeshmahal” episode involving the renovation of Kejriwal’s residence, saying they had “made everyone doubt whether we still believe in being the Aam Aadmi.”
Gahlot criticised the party’s focus on political conflicts, particularly with the central government, stating it has “severely crippled” its ability to serve Delhi residents effectively.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accepted Gahlot’s resignation, reported The Indian Express.
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Durgesh Pathak noted that Gahlot had been facing income tax raids for the past few months. “He was left with no option but to join the BJP,” Pathak said. “This is what the BJP does – they used the ED and CBI to win elections.”
In March, Gahlot appeared before the Enforcement Directorate for questioning in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case, in which other party leaders, including Kejriwal, have been accused of involvement.
In 2018, the Income Tax Department raided multiple locations linked to Gahlot and his family, alleging tax evasion of several crores.
In the recent portfolio reshuffle following Kejriwal’s resignation, key portfolios including the seat of chief minister went to Atishi, leaving Gahlot with transport, home, and women and child development.
The BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla said in response to the Gahlot’s resignation: “Aam Aadmi Party has become Khaas Aadmi Party…AAP has become Arvind Aadmi Party. Their leader has exposed them.”