AAP Top Brass Snubbed Kailash Gahlot: Why The Leader's Shocking Quits

New Delhi, Nov 18 (ANI): In a dramatic move that has left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stunned, its senior leader and cabinet minister Kailash Gahlot walked out of the party on Sunday. Contrary to his initial intention, it was not over his difference with AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal or disagreements between him and deputy chief minister Atishi.

The turning point came after Gahlot realized he had no future ahead in the beleaguered Delhi leadership. Just a couple of weeks ago, several senior leaders from AAP were arrested under different charges of corruption and fraud as part of Centre's clean-up drive against corrupt politicians, all of whom were also high-ranking leaders of AAP.

AAP leader Gahlot was waiting for what he thought to be an opportunity to join the party at its top leadership when instead faced snubs by central agencies which further fueled his frustration. After months-long efforts, Delhi's chief minister Atishi got promoted and appointed new portfolios for her team members in place of him as deputy CM.

Several senior AAP leaders were unhappy with the decision made by Atishi but it only seemed to bolster Gahlot’s determination to walk away from the party he co-founded over 8 years ago.

According to multiple sources, AAP had an internal power struggle after the arrest of high-ranking ministers. As AAP's internal leadership was facing a massive crisis, they decided not to contest in assembly elections after their leader Manish Sisodia joined the BJP. Gahlot remained silent on his own plight which may seem unusual but as sources close to him revealed that he only spoke out when there was no alternative.

Gahlot was also unhappy with Delhi government’s decision of giving Atishi all the important ministries such as home, law and justice, even though the Delhi CM gave Atishi significant portfolios. After Atishi's massive gains in her popularity, AAP has started to consider her one of its top leaders for their leadership contest.

The shocking turn of events may come as a surprise to many given Gahlot’s long years of dedication towards AAP but it is clear that he realized he was no longer needed by the party.