Kailash Gahlot’s Exit: Unraveling the AAP Rift Post-Manish Sisodia’s Arrest

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister Kailash Gahlot announced his resignation from the party and the Delhi Cabinet, citing a shift away from the party’s founding principles.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Atishi and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot criticized the party’s priorities, stating that political ambitions had overshadowed its commitment to serving the people.

Gahlot highlighted in his letter that AAP had failed to fulfill several promises, adding that the constant conflict with the central government had hampered real progress in Delhi. “Instead of fighting for people’s rights, we have increasingly only been fighting for our own political agenda,” he wrote.

He also pointed to the unfulfilled pledge of cleaning the Yamuna river and controversies like the “Sheeshmahal” (a term coined by BJP to mock the newly renovated Chief Minister’s residence) as reasons that cast doubt on AAP’s commitment to its original mission.

Allegations of Pressure and Political Intrigue

AAP responded to Gahlot’s resignation by accusing the BJP of orchestrating his exit through agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Income Tax Department. Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh alleged that Gahlot was pressured by raids and questioning. “The Modi Washing Machine has become active before the Delhi elections,” Singh remarked, referencing allegations that opposition leaders joining BJP often see cases against them disappear.

Durgesh Pathak, another AAP leader, echoed these claims, stating, “Joining the BJP was his only way out.” However, neither Gahlot nor the BJP has confirmed speculations about him joining the saffron party.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva dismissed AAP’s accusations and called Gahlot’s resignation a reflection of internal issues. “The issues that Mr. Gahlot has raised in his resignation letter are all that the BJP has been raising in Delhi,” Sachdeva said, accusing AAP of corrupt practices.

From AAP Loyalist to Rebel

Kailash Gahlot, a Supreme Court and Delhi High Court advocate with over 16 years of experience, entered politics in 2015 when he won the Najafgarh assembly seat. He has since handled portfolios like Transport, Home, Women and Child Development, and Finance.

However, his relationship with the party soured over time, particularly after the arrest of then-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in the Delhi liquor policy case. When Sisodia’s 18 portfolios were redistributed, Gahlot lost the Law and Justice Department to Atishi in December. This move reportedly signaled a lack of confidence in Gahlot by the party leadership.

Tensions further escalated during the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony, where Atishi was initially chosen to officiate the event in Kejriwal’s absence. Intervention by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ultimately assigned the task to Gahlot, but the episode underscored growing discord within the party.

In his resignation, Gahlot reiterated his discontent, citing the party’s “dwindling credibility” and its inability to deliver on promises.

AAP’s Stance and Kejriwal’s Silence

Arvind Kejriwal has largely refrained from commenting on Gahlot’s resignation. During a press conference meant to welcome a former BJP MLA into AAP, Kejriwal deflected questions about Gahlot by passing the microphone to Pathak, who reiterated allegations of BJP’s involvement in Gahlot’s decision.

Sanjay Singh, however, openly accused Gahlot of acting under BJP’s influence. “Now many leaders will be inducted into BJP through this [Modi Washing Machine],” Singh alleged.

While AAP leaders have framed Gahlot’s resignation as politically motivated, his departure raises questions about the internal challenges facing the party as it prepares for the upcoming elections.