AAP Top Brass' Snub: Kailash Gahlot's Decision To Quit Wasn’t On A Whim

New Delhi: The resignation of Kailash Gahlot from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised eyebrows in the party, with sources revealing that the decision to quit was not taken lightly. Gahlot, a 50-year-old MLA and former cabinet minister, was expected to be given more power and position after the top leadership went to jail and a reshuffle took place in the party, yet he was sidelined.

Multiple incidents and decisions over the past few months have led to his departure from the AAP. The party's decision to nominate newcomer Atishi as chief minister last month further added to Gahlot's resentment. Sources close to him said he had been expecting more power and a better position after several top leaders resigned, including Satyendar Jain, Manish Sisodia, and Arvind Kejriwal.

The AAP's leadership was criticized for not providing enough opportunities to senior leaders like Gahlot, who has been instrumental in the party's win in the 2015 Delhi Assembly polls. His ministries were taken away from him, including law, justice and legislative affairs, revenue, law and justice but not enough power and positions in the cabinet came his way.

While AAP leaders attacked the Centre and Lt Governor VK Saxena on a daily basis over the arrest of top brass, Gahlot kept a low profile. His approach to governance was different compared to other ministers, who often clashed publicly with officials. Sources claim that he maintained a good relationship with executive branch employees throughout his tenure.

On August 15, 2024, Atishi, instead of Gahlot, hoisted the national flag at a state-level Independence Day event in Delhi, angering him. The AAP leadership defended this move by praising Atishi's commitment and stating that she was well-versed on policies like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and National Healthcare Policy.

Gahlot eventually decided to quit the party amidst criticism from central agencies, which had been pestering him since 2018 over tax evasion cases. The AAP official said Gahlot was under immense pressure but his final decision is believed to be linked with joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gahlot has yet to confirm this report and announce his future plans.

As the party grapples with a power struggle, Atishi takes center-stage as she holds key portfolios including education.