AAP's Top Brass Snub, Gahlot's Rise Sparks Controversy

Kailash Gahlot, a senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader who recently quit the party to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was not ready to take leave without a fuss. The 50-year-old's decision to part ways with the AAP comes amidst a bitter power struggle within the party.

According to News18, Gahlot had been expecting greater recognition and power within the AAP after several top leaders were arrested and imprisoned. The party's leader at the time, Arvind Kejriwal, was even behind bars during much of this period, yet Gahlot attended all major events where Kejriwal was present.

As reported by News18 sources, a rift in the relationship became more apparent when Gahlot, along with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, was not considered for key posts despite his qualifications. Saxena even appointed Gahlot as flag-hoister on August 15 at state-level Independence Day event, contrary to Kejriwal's original decision.

However, following Kejriwal's resignation and the election of Atishi as the new chief minister in October 2022, Gahlot felt he was being overlooked for more power within the party.

Several sources indicate that AAP leaders at the time were against his decision, stating there are many senior party members with experience who could have been instead promoted to bigger roles.