Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Cabinet Minister Kailash Gahlot Quits Amid Fissures with Top Leadership

New Delhi, November 17, 2024: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has lost one of its senior leaders as cabinet minister Kailash Gahlot tendered his resignation from the party on Sunday, citing "pressure from central agencies" that forced him to leave.

According to sources quoted by News18, Gahlot was expecting a better position and power after the top leadership went to jail and a reshuffle took place in the party. However, despite being one of the senior-most leaders in terms of age and holding important ministries like law, justice, and legislative affairs and revenue, he failed to gain more influence.

Gahlot's decision to quit comes amidst growing fissures between him and top AAP leadership, particularly Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The party's attempt to promote a new face in Atishi, who became the chief minister after Kejriwal's arrest, also seemed to have affected Gahlot's prospects.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had nominated "newcomer" Atishi instead of Gahlot or any senior minister for flag-hoisting on August 15 at the state-level Independence Day event, which was a surprise move that left many AAP leaders unhappy. The party's decision to give Atishi top positions in the cabinet also outraged several AAP leaders who felt that they had more experience and were deserving of better opportunities.

Sources said Gahlot's ministries like law, justice, and legislative affairs and revenue were taken away from him after Saurabh Bhardwaj was nominated to these posts. His position at home ministry was also reduced, which likely contributed to his decision to quit.

While Gahlot is facing pressure from central agencies, the AAP on Sunday said that he had taken this decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The party's move is seen as a significant loss of talent and experience for the AAP, which had been one of its strongest pillars since its inception.

Gahlot was an important face in the AAP and his resignation comes at a time when the party is facing several challenges. His departure will surely be felt in the party's power struggles against the Centre and the Lt Governor.