Kailash Gahlot's Sudden Exit: AAP Top Brass Snubbed; Leader's Resignation Not A Whim

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and cabinet minister Kailash Gahlot has unexpectedly quit the senior position in Delhi Police, after weeks of public criticism from top leaders for the way he handled a major transport scandal. News18 has found that this move is not an impulsive decision rather the culmination of relentless pressure from Central agencies.

Sources close to the AAP said that Gahlot was under immense pressure due to the ongoing cases against him and central probe against the Aam party.

It also came to light that even when senior leaders were out on bail, AAP would often miss meetings. It shows why Delhi police needed such an efficient officer.

Kailash Gahlot resigned today in a significant deal of fallout between AAP leadership and police team headed by L-G.

His role was for about four years, during which he successfully managed city traffic. A source close to AAP said that several top leaders felt that Atishi would get the maximum number of portfolios in cabinet but instead got the chairmanship only after Kejriwal resigned.

It is reported by News18 that Gahlot was disappointed with party’s leadership since the arrest of senior minister for law, justice and legislative affairs Manish Sisodia. Prior to his resignation, Atishi had been made chief minister of Delhi in a major blow to AAP on November 6 this year.

AAP was seen as one of India's strongest voices in terms of traffic administration during Kailash Gahlot period – but that changed abruptly with new developments since Kejriwal went behind the bars. Several other sources also said that senior Aam party leaders would be unhappy with Atishi getting so much power immediately.

A senior AAP leader while speaking on condition of anonymity said, "There is a certain system that should be followed. You cannot give so much power to newcomers while those with experience sit awaiting better opportunities."

Sources close to the ruling party informed that AAP had initially wanted Kailash Gahlot in one of his most influential cabinets as Home Minister but they were left out this time when Atishi was made chief minister, only to later being denied several ministries and departments in his new portfolio.