Kailash Gahlot quits AAP: ‘Kejriwal’s Hanuman’ joins L-G’s camp
In September, Arvind Kejriwal alleged mistreatment by Tihar authorities, claiming they blocked his requests to the L-G during his imprisonment. Kejriwal accused them of refusing to forward his nomination of Atishi to hoist the Tricolour. However, L-G Vinay Kumar Saxena chose Kailash Gahlot for the role, sparking speculation about Gahlot’s rapport with the L-G despite AAP’s ongoing feud with him.
Gahlot, known for his reserved demeanor, stayed silent amid the party’s outrage over Kejriwal’s allegations. Later, he expressed frustration in his resignation, posted on X, criticizing AAP for prioritizing political battles over public service. He pointed to unfulfilled promises like cleaning the Yamuna and controversies such as the “Sheeshmahal” scandal, which, he claimed, dented AAP’s credibility.
A lawyer and Najafgarh MLA since 2015, Gahlot was AAP’s Jat face. He served in the Delhi Cabinet from 2017, overseeing Transport, Law, and Justice, and leading initiatives like adding electric buses to the DTC fleet and launching the Doorstep Delivery of Public Services scheme. Unlike vocal colleagues, Gahlot avoided public clashes but faced investigations by the IT Department, ED, and CBI over alleged tax evasion and corruption, which he denied.
AAP leaders suggested Gahlot’s resignation stemmed from pressure due to these cases, accusing the BJP of using central agencies to target him. However, insiders claimed AAP likely would not renominate him due to his narrow electoral victories.
Gahlot’s exit marks AAP’s third Cabinet resignation since 2022, following Rajendra Pal Gautam and Raj Kumar Anand. The move leaves AAP regrouping ahead of Delhi assembly polls in 2025.
