Kailash Gahlot's Stunning Exit: Delhi MLA Cabinet Minister and AAP Leader Quits Party Amid Fissures and Pressures

New Delhi, November 18, 2024: Kailash Gahlot, a senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and cabinet minister, has surprised everyone by quitting the party. The news comes at a time when the AAP's top leadership including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was under arrest, and the party was facing internal dissensions.

According to sources close to Gahlot, he had expected a better position and power in the party after the top leadership went to jail and a reshuffle took place. However, his expectations were not met as senior ministers, including senior AAP leaders, were given more prominent positions.

Gahlot's decision to quit was reportedly influenced by various incidents over the last few months that forced him to reassess his position within the party. Sources close to Gahlot told news18 that he was upset when Atishi, a newcomer in the party, was nominated as the chief minister instead of him or any senior AAP leader.

Gahlot had been the Delhi Home Minister until recently and was widely expected to continue holding this position after the top brass was arrested. He had made significant contributions to the development of infrastructure related issues during his tenure as Home Minister, particularly focusing on the multi-level electric bus depot in the city.

News18 has also learned that Gahlot faced financial scrutiny from regulatory agencies such as Income Tax department and had not shifted out of his official Delhi residence for several years despite being allocated a house by the government. Sources said that these pressures and controversies have added to Gahlot's unhappiness with the party situation.

After news of Kejriwal's arrest broke, Gahlot was seen attending all events where AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal was present in order to display strength, indicating the extent of the rift between them.