Kailash Gehlot Joins BJP After Resigning from Aam Aadmi Party’s Ministerial Role in Delhi
Background of the Event:
On November 3, 2024, Kailash Gehlot, a prominent figure in the Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, resigned from his ministerial post and his membership in the AAP. He had served as the Transport Minister in the Delhi government under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership and was a key Jat leader in the party. His resignation and decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has created a significant stir in Delhi’s political scene, particularly with the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly elections.
Following his resignation from the AAP, Kailash Gehlot joined the BJP in the presence of Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP President, marking a significant shift in his political allegiance. This move has drawn considerable attention due to the timing, just months before the Delhi elections.
Reasons for Joining BJP and Clarification on Allegations:
Gehlot has dismissed rumors that he joined the BJP due to pressure from Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or Income Tax investigations. In his statement, he refuted claims that he was forced into this decision due to legal pressures, stating, “This was not an easy decision for me. I joined AAP after being inspired by Anna Hazare’s movement, but I deny that I joined BJP because of any pressure from agencies like ED or CBI. I have taken this decision to serve the people better. If the central government and the Delhi state government are at loggerheads, development for the state will be stalled.”
Gehlot also cited the unfulfilled promises of the AAP government and the controversies surrounding it as reasons for his resignation. He mentioned in his resignation letter that the party had failed to deliver on key promises made to the people of Delhi and was embroiled in internal issues.
AAP’s Response and Criticism of BJP:
The AAP leadership, particularly Arvind Kejriwal, commented on Gehlot’s defection by stating, “He is now free to go wherever he wants.” Kejriwal emphasized that Gehlot’s departure should not be seen as a major loss for the party, as they respected his decision.
On the other hand, AAP’s spokespersons, including Priyanka Kakkar and Sanjay Singh, criticized Gehlot’s move as part of a larger BJP political strategy. Kakkar alleged that Gehlot joined BJP to avoid potential investigations by the ED and CBI. Sanjay Singh, a senior AAP leader, described Gehlot’s defection as part of BJP’s “dirty politics,” claiming that this was an example of how the ruling party is luring leaders into their fold using corrupt tactics.
Sanjay Singh also mentioned that the BJP’s actions were part of a broader scheme to target AAP leaders before the elections, with many other officials likely to join BJP using similar methods. He criticized the central government for its alleged misuse of investigative agencies to destabilize regional political parties.
New Minister Appointment in Delhi Government:
Following Gehlot’s exit, Raghvinder Shokeen, a legislator from the Nangloi Jat constituency, is set to take over the ministerial portfolio previously held by Gehlot. Shokeen’s appointment has been confirmed as part of the reshuffling of the Delhi Cabinet.
In Summary:
Kailash Gehlot’s shift from Aam Aadmi Party to Bharatiya Janata Party has stirred significant political debate in Delhi. While AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, have downplayed the departure, members of the opposition and BJP critics have accused the BJP of using investigative pressures to recruit members from other parties. This political development is likely to have far-reaching consequences in the lead-up to the upcoming Delhi elections, with new appointments and shifting allegiances continuing to shape the political landscape in the capital.
