Kailash Gahlot, Delhi minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, resigned from both the party and the government on November 17, just months before the scheduled assembly elections in the national capital. Gahlot, who represented Najafgarh and served as the Transport minister in the AAP government led by Chief Minister Atishi, becomes the second serving minister to quit this year, following the resignation of social welfare minister Raaj Kumar Anand in April.
Speculation about Gahlot’s rift with the party had been circulating for months, with his absence from AAP’s campaign during the recent Haryana elections adding fuel to the fire. His resignation is believed to be linked to the ongoing Delhi Liquor Policy case, marking the final chapter of his growing discontent with the party leadership.
Dissatisfaction Over Portfolio Changes
Gahlot’s disillusionment with AAP started after the arrest of Manish Sisodia, the former deputy chief minister, by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March 2023 in connection with the Liquor Policy case. Sisodia held a range of important portfolios, including health, education, revenue, power, water, finance, and home affairs. Following his arrest, the responsibility for these ministries was reassigned to Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi, which reportedly fueled Gahlot’s dissatisfaction.
Gahlot was particularly upset when the Law and Justice Department, which was previously under his purview, was handed over to Atishi, signaling to some that the party leadership no longer trusted him. Gahlot, a two-time MLA and senior minister, also seemed to resent Atishi’s rise within the party, especially as she assumed key portfolios and, later, became the Chief Minister. This, according to party insiders, led Gahlot to feel sidelined and undervalued.
Tensions with the Lieutenant Governor
Another factor contributing to Gahlot’s frustration was his reported closeness to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena. Gahlot was often seen with the L-G at events related to the Transport Department, which was not the case with other AAP ministers. Additionally, during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations, when Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister, was incarcerated, Gahlot was asked by L-G Saxena to hoist the national flag, despite Atishi being delegated the task by Kejriwal himself.
Reasons for Resignation
In his resignation letter, Gahlot mentioned the “dwindling credibility” of AAP, particularly regarding the cleaning of the Yamuna River and the renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence, which critics have dubbed ‘Sheeshmahal’. These issues, along with the internal party struggles, seem to have influenced his decision to step down.
Possible Shift to BJP
Gahlot’s resignation has sparked speculation about his future political move. He is expected to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contest the 2024 Delhi assembly elections from the Najafgarh constituency. Following his resignation, AAP took aim at the BJP, accusing them of using “dirty politics” and alleging that Gahlot was pressured through ED and CBI raids.
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh remarked that Gahlot’s departure was part of a larger BJP strategy to co-opt leaders through what he termed the “Modi Washing Machine.” According to Singh, Gahlot’s resignation is part of a broader attempt to influence the upcoming Delhi elections by bringing in leaders who can serve the BJP’s interests.
