AAP's Downfall? Kailash Gahlot Quits After Frustrating Stint as Minister

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kailash Gahlot has quit the party after a series of unfulfilled expectations and a decline in his popularity. The 50-year-old politician, who was a cabinet minister until Sunday, did not decide to leave the party on a whim.

Sources close to Mr. Gahlot revealed that he had been feeling underappreciated despite being one of the senior-most leaders after the top three cabinet ministers were arrested and resigned. He had made it clear that he wanted more responsibility, but the powers-that-be refused to give him the position he felt was due to him.

"It was frustrating for Kailash Gahlot, who has been with the party since its inception," said an AAP insider. "He had expected a better position in the party, especially after the top leadership went to jail. However, his requests were ignored."

Mr. Gahlot's frustration came to a head when it was announced that new entrant Atishi would take over as Delhi Chief Minister instead of him or any senior minister. This snub left many AAP leaders feeling disillusioned with Mr. Gahlot's handling of the party.

Another factor attributed to his departure is his strained relationship with L-G VK Saxena, who played a significant role in the party's crisis-ridden government. Despite being invited to several events and meetings, Saxena made it clear that he was not happy with Mr. Gahlot.

However, it was not just internal squabbles that led to Mr. Gahlot's departure from AAP. He had been facing pressure from central agencies for years, including alleged tax evasion and corruption cases.

As reports emerged of his decision to leave the party, sources suggested that Kailash Gahlot will join the BJP, which could signal a major shift in Delhi politics.

The news is likely to boost the confidence of AAP leaders who were disenchanted with Mr. Gahlot's handling of the party after the top leadership went to jail and reshuffle took place.

It remains to be seen how AAP will recover from this blow, but Atishi's elevation as Delhi Chief Minister raises many questions about party unity and future prospects of Kailash Gahlot in Indian politics.