Kailash Gahlot Resigns from AAP and Government Amid Growing Discontent
On November 17, Kailash Gahlot, Delhi’s Transport Minister and a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), resigned from both the party and his ministerial post just months ahead of the scheduled Delhi Assembly elections. Gahlot, who represented Najafgarh, became the second sitting minister to step down this year after Social Welfare Minister Raaj Kumar Anand’s resignation in April.
Speculation surrounding Gahlot’s strained relationship with AAP had been circulating for months, with his absence from AAP’s campaign during the recent Haryana elections raising further questions. His resignation is believed to be linked to the ongoing Delhi Liquor Policy case, signaling a culmination of his growing discontent with the party leadership.
Discontent Over Portfolio Reassignments
Gahlot’s dissatisfaction with the party began after the arrest of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in March 2023, in connection with the Liquor Policy case. Sisodia, who previously held key portfolios such as health, education, revenue, and home affairs, was replaced by Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi, which allegedly contributed to Gahlot’s frustrations.
Of particular concern to Gahlot was the reassignment of the Law and Justice Department, which had been under his leadership, to Atishi. This move was seen by some as a signal that the party no longer trusted him, a sentiment Gahlot shared, particularly as Atishi rose to prominence within the party and eventually became the Chief Minister. This shift in power dynamics left Gahlot feeling sidelined and undervalued within the party.
Tensions with Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor
Another factor contributing to Gahlot’s frustration was his perceived closeness to Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Vinai Kumar Saxena. Gahlot was frequently seen attending events with the L-G related to the Transport Department, unlike his fellow AAP ministers. Additionally, during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations, when Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was incarcerated, Gahlot was unexpectedly asked by the L-G to hoist the national flag, despite Atishi being officially assigned this responsibility by Kejriwal.
Reasons Behind the Resignation
In his resignation letter, Gahlot expressed concerns over the party’s declining credibility, citing issues such as the slow progress of cleaning the Yamuna River and the renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence, which critics have mocked as ‘Sheeshmahal’. These unresolved issues, along with internal party struggles, seem to have played a significant role in his decision to resign.
Speculation About a Shift to BJP
Gahlot’s resignation has fueled speculation about his future political moves, with many expecting him to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and contest the 2024 Delhi Assembly elections from the Najafgarh constituency. In response, AAP accused the BJP of using “dirty politics” and alleged that Gahlot had been pressured into resigning through investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh criticized Gahlot’s departure, claiming it was part of a broader BJP strategy to recruit leaders ahead of the Delhi elections. Singh referred to this as the “Modi Washing Machine,” suggesting that the BJP is using its influence over investigative agencies to secure the loyalty of defecting leaders, such as Gahlot, to further its political agenda in Delhi.
