Kailash Gahlot's Shocking Exit: AAP Shuns Ex-Cabinet Minister Amid Leadership Struggle

New Delhi: Just days after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced Arvind Kejriwal as its chief ministerial candidate, a surprising twist in the party's power struggle has emerged with the departure of 50-year-old veteran leader Kailash Gahlot, a former cabinet minister.

According to sources, Gahlot had been expecting a better position and more power after the party's top leadership was arrested, leading to a reshuffle. However, despite his years of service and loyal support for the party, he was sidelined, raising questions about the party's decision-making process and its treatment of veteran leaders.

Gahlot's rise in the party was marked by his steady service as cabinet minister under former Chief Minister Manish Sisodia before he assumed senior positions in law, justice, and legislative affairs, and revenue. He faced little resistance early on but became increasingly frustrated with AAP's leadership after the sudden resignation of top ministers due to personal corruption charges which led one by one to jail.

News18 has learned that atishi who recently made an entry into the cabinet alongside two other new faces in may not have had a strong start, given there were several experienced AAP leaders who had more than ten years of experience than her and could have been considered for promotion in place of veterans like Gahlot.

AAP sources claim they were dissatisfied with Gahloth who kept quiet despite facing scrutiny from agencies since 2018 due to an ongoing tax evasion probe. "Several AAP leaders were angry at the party’s decision to promote newcomers ahead of senior, veteran members. Atishi was handed key portfolios while others found themselves outbid for new opportunities".