AAP's 'Quiet Achiever' Kailash Gahlot Left the Party Amid Fissures Over Atishi's Rise and Lack of Power

New Delhi, Nov 18 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and cabinet minister Kailash Gahlot has left the party, reportedly under pressure from central agencies. Sources close to Gahlot told News18 that he was not happy with his position after the top leadership went to jail and a reshuffle took place in the party.

Gahlot's departure comes amidst growing tensions between him and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal over the latter's decision to promote newcomer Atishi as Delhi Chief Minister. Gahlot had lost many of his ministries after Sisodia resigned, including law, justice and legislative affairs and revenue departments, which were subsequently allocated to Atishi.

Atishi's rise in stature and her appointment as Delhi Chief Minister has left many AAP leaders feeling sidelined, with some questioning the decision to promote a newcomer who was first-time MLA elected only in 2020. The party had nominated Atishi instead of Gahlot for flag-hoisting on August 15 at the state-level Independence Day event, which came as a surprise to many.

Gahlot was one of the few AAP leaders who managed to maintain neutrality and avoid the blame game during the ongoing power struggle between the party's leadership and the executive. He has been facing pressure from agencies since 2018, including the income tax department, over alleged tax evasion cases.

The AAP on Sunday announced that Gahlot had left the party after being under pressure from central agencies. It was not clear whether he plans to join another party or remain an independent member.

Gahlot's departure marks a significant development in the AAP's ongoing power struggle. The party's top brass, including Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, have been at the center of the controversy. With Sisodia joining BJP recently, Gahlot's decision to leave the party may mark another shift.

The developments come as the AAP looks to regroup and refocus on its core objectives. The party has a long history of promoting grassroots leaders and giving them opportunities to take charge. With Gahlot leaving, several AAP leaders are now questioning whether the promotions were made without sufficient consideration for their contributions and experience.

It remains to be seen how the AAP will navigate this development, but it is clear that Kailash Gahlot's departure marks a significant turning point in the party's journey towards its goals.