Newcomer Atishi's Rise, AAP Top Brass' Snub: Why Kailash Gahlot’s Decision To Quit Wasn’t On A Whim

In a significant development that has caught the attention of political observers and supporters alike, news has emerged that popular AAP politician Kailash Gahlot has left the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with his resignation taking place on Sunday. This move is largely attributed to a series of events and decisions within the party in recent months.

Sources close to News18 revealed that 50-year-old Gahlot was expecting a significant rise in power and authority following the arrest of top AAP leadership members and a subsequent reshuffle, but ended up being sidelined instead.

Gahlot had been part of the AAP since its inception and held various key positions including being a cabinet minister. However, when he walked out of jail after the party's top brass were arrested, it was expected that things would turn in his favor. Instead, Gahlot felt overlooked despite making an effort to maintain strong ties with party chief Arvind Kejriwal.

In several critical moments such as flag-hoisting at independence day events and meetings convened by L-G VK Saxena, who took a prominent role for AAP after Kejriwal’s imprisonment, it was not Gahlot who was entrusted. This decision of bypassing him left room for criticism about a perceived system that promotes fresh faces over seasoned leaders.

In particular, the choice made to nominate a young politician named Atishi at an important national event and her subsequent elevation to chief minister has fueled widespread discontent among many party members.

Experts have observed that Gahlot faced immense external pressure from central agencies and felt unduly targeted in several corruption cases before Kejriwal's arrest. Furthermore, the sidelining of his contributions to AAP led him to reevaluate his association with the party.

In a shocking development, AAP leadership attributed Gahlot's resignation as being under pressure from central agencies. He subsequently chose to leave behind the party that provided him platform and recognition, leading to whispers about possible transition to the BJP.

The shift in politics is undoubtedly an opportunity for growth and reevaluation of priorities, but for those in political spheres, it often involves unexpected twists, surprises, and difficult choices about staying or leaving a powerful entity like AAP.