Will Kailash Gahlot Join BJP Day After Quitting AAP? Buzz Grows

Last Updated:November 18, 2024, 10:57 IST

Reports suggested that the ministries held by Kailash Gahlot will remain with Delhi Chief Minister Atishi until new appointment.

Former Delhi Minister and AAP leader Kailash Gahlot | Image/File (PTI)

Almost 24 hours after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) primary membership and Delhi Cabinet citing the government’s “unfulfilled promises," speculations are rife that Kailash Gahlot may switch to the BJP.

The sources said that Gahlot will join the BJP during a press conference at the party headquarters today. However, no official confirmation has come out yet.

Meanwhile, reports suggested that the ministries held by Gahlot- Transport, Administrative Reforms, Information & Technology, Home and Women & Child Development, will remain with Chief Minister Atishi until a new appointment.

AAP Alleges Agency Pressure

The AAP, which faced a major jolt ahead of the Delhi Assembly election next year, accused the BJP of “conspiring against their leaders" by putting them under pressure using central probe agencies.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh said that Gahlot had “no option" but to leave the party as he came under pressure after Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax raids, which were held against him many times in the last five years.

“Kailash Gahlot has been raided by the ED, Income Tax many times. He was part of the government for five years, and the BJP was continuously conspiring against him, he was left with no other option but to go with the BJP," AAP MP Sanjay Singh said.

Gahlot’s Big Exit

Gahlot submitted his resignation from AAP to Kejriwal, stating that he had ‘no option’ but to step down due to the “embarrassing and awkward controversies" linked to the party.

Last year, then Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was accused of “spending Rs 45 crore" on the renovation of his official residence, which the BJP named as ‘Sheesh Mahal" in an apparent jibe.

The Najafgarh MLA, Gahlot, referred to the “Sheesh Mahal" controversy and said that it has made everyone doubt whether they still believe in being Aam Aadmi (Common Man).

Gahlot’s exit comes weeks after party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal turned rebel, although she remains an MP from the party. The assembly polls are due in Delhi in the next few weeks as the term of the current assembly will end in February 2025.

Delhi, India

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