AAP's Fading Sun? Kailash Gahlot's Decision To Quit Wasn’t On A Whim

Aman Kumar Sharma

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has lost yet another prominent leader as Kailash Gahlot, the 50-year-old cabinet minister, tendered his resignation from the party on Sunday.

Gahlot was missing from several events and meetings, including those involving the party's top leadership, after the arrest of the party's top brass, which he chose not to capitalize on.

Sources close to Gahlot told News18 that the decision to leave the party was a gradual process, rather than an impulsive move.

Since 2018, Gahlot has been under intense scrutiny from central agencies and tax authorities, who have been probing him in connection with several cases, including an alleged tax-evasion case.

The AAP had initially denied that any pressure was being applied on Gahlot but finally Sunday confirmed that the Central Agencies are pressurizing to remove him.

While Gahlot has not officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) yet, it is certain he will end up there as a result of a loss in AAP, which has become increasingly difficult for leaders like Gahloth that do not offer any opportunities.

A party leader from the AAP told news18.com: “He was an experienced guy. There were chances he could get to be the deputy CM or Chief Minister instead but he decided to stay back”.