Kailash Gahlot, Delhi’s Transport Minister and a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has stepped down from both his ministerial post and the party, citing disillusionment with its governance and direction. His resignation, coming just months before the Delhi Assembly elections, is a major blow to AAP and has sparked heated political debates.
In his resignation letter addressed to AAP chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot expressed deep dissatisfaction, stating that the party’s political ambitions have eclipsed its core mission of public service. Highlighting key failures, Gahlot called out the party’s inability to fulfill its promise of cleaning the Yamuna River, which remains “more polluted than ever.” He also pointed to controversies such as the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ issue—referring to the opulent renovation of Kejriwal’s residence—as evidence that AAP has strayed far from its “common man” principles.
“The party that once stood for simplicity and honesty has now lost its way. The priorities have shifted, and the trust of the people has been compromised,” Gahlot wrote.
BJP Calls It a “Sign of AAP’s Decline”
Gahlot’s resignation has fueled criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with MP Manoj Tiwari stating, “This resignation proves that AAP is crumbling under the weight of its own failures. They’ve made promises but delivered on none.” The BJP has long accused AAP of focusing more on optics than governance, and Gahlot’s departure, they claim, validates their concerns.
AAP Alleges External Pressure
In response, AAP leaders have alleged that Gahlot’s resignation may have been influenced by external pressures, including investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department. “This appears to be a coordinated effort to target AAP leaders ahead of the elections,” an AAP spokesperson suggested.
Broader Implications for AAP
Gahlot’s exit is not an isolated event. Several members of AAP have left the party in recent months, hinting at internal dissent and instability. With the Delhi Assembly elections around the corner, the resignation of a senior leader like Gahlot could weaken AAP’s standing and bolster its opponents.
As the political drama unfolds, the spotlight is now on AAP’s ability to regroup and address the mounting criticism while countering allegations of abandoning its founding principles.
