Delhi Politics: On Sunday, senior leader Kailash Gahlot, who resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and his ministerial post, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP leaders Manohar Lal Khattar and Baijayant Panda welcomed Gahlot into the party. This move signals significant changes in Delhi's political landscape and is a major setback for AAP.
Kailash Gahlot’s Statement
After joining the BJP, Kailash Gahlot stated:
- "Leaving AAP wasn’t easy."
Gahlot acknowledged that the environment in AAP is no longer what it used to be in its early days. He said, "The party has lost its confidence." - "Allegations of CBI and ED pressure are baseless."
He clarified that his decision was not influenced by any external pressure. - "Clashing with the Centre is wrong."
Gahlot remarked that constant confrontations with the central government over every issue are a "waste of time."
Serious Allegations Against AAP
While resigning from AAP, Gahlot leveled serious accusations against the party:
- Focus on political agendas:
He said that AAP has strayed from addressing issues of the common man and is now solely focused on political gains. - Lavish lifestyle of the CM:
Gahlot accused Arvind Kejriwal of building a luxurious house for himself while ignoring Delhi’s fundamental problems. - Failed promises:
"We promised to clean the Yamuna, but it is now more polluted than ever," Gahlot stated. - Neglect of basic needs:
According to him, the AAP government has failed to meet Delhi's basic needs.
AAP’s Response
AAP strongly criticized Gahlot’s move and made counterclaims:
- "Pressure from CBI and ED":
The party alleged that Gahlot was under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (IT) department for multiple cases. - "A BJP conspiracy":
AAP accused BJP of orchestrating this as part of a strategy to win Delhi elections using central agencies.
Raghuvinder Shokeen to Become New Minister
Following Kailash Gahlot’s resignation, AAP has decided to appoint Raghuvinder Shokeen as the new cabinet minister. Shokeen, an MLA from Nangloi, will now assume this position. The party expressed confidence in his ability to fulfill the responsibilities effectively.
A Shift in Delhi’s Politics
Kailash Gahlot joining BJP is not merely a case of party-switching but signifies a larger political shift in Delhi.
- A Challenge for AAP:
Gahlot’s allegations could tarnish AAP’s image. - A Boost for BJP:
His inclusion in BJP may strengthen the party’s position in the upcoming Delhi elections.
Conclusion
Kailash Gahlot’s resignation and subsequent move to BJP have added to Delhi’s political tension. While AAP calls it a BJP conspiracy, Gahlot maintains that his decision was independent and justifiable.
It will be intriguing to see how this development impacts Delhi’s political equations in the coming days.