Delhi News: In a surprising political shift, Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, a day after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Gahlot refuted allegations that his decision was influenced by pressure from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).“Some people must be thinking that this decision was taken overnight and under someones pressure. I want to tell them that I have never done anything under anyones pressure to date,” Gahlot said, firmly denying any coercion.Gahlots Criticism of AAPs Shift in PrioritiesIn his resignation letter to AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot expressed deep disappointment over the partys evolving priorities. He claimed that AAPs focus had shifted from advocating for public welfare to pursuing political ambitions.“Instead of fighting for peoples rights, we have increasingly only been fighting for our own political agenda,” he wrote. He further criticized unfulfilled promises, such as cleaning the Yamuna River, and highlighted controversial issues like the Sheeshmahal episode, which he claimed had tarnished the partys credibility.A Blow to the AAP Ahead of ElectionsGahlots resignation marks the third high-profile departure from the Kejriwal-led cabinet, coming at a critical time as AAP gears up for the Delhi Assembly elections in February next year. Previously, ministers Raaj Kumar Anand and Rajendra Pal Gautam also quit the party, raising concerns about internal dissent. As a prominent Jat leader and former minister overseeing crucial portfolios, including Home and Women and Child Development, Gahlots exit is likely to impact AAPs electoral prospects.Gahlot did not shy away from pointing out AAPs shortcomings. He criticized the partys inability to deliver on promises like cleaning the Yamuna River, which remains highly polluted. He also questioned whether the party still upheld its foundational ethos of being a party for the common man. His pointed remarks about controversies, such as the extravagant expenses on the so-called Sheeshmahal, have added fuel to speculations regarding AAPs internal challenges.
