Kailash Gahlot, Kailash Gahlot Quit AAP Reason, Why Kailash Gahlot Quit AAP, Why Kailash Gahlot joined BJP: In a big boost for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) months before the Delhi Assembly Elections, senior AAP leader Kailash Gahlot quit the party. Kailash Gahlot who was allotted the portfolio of Delhi's former Transport Minister quit the party sending shockwaves in the INDIA block, especially the Aam Aadmi Party. Not only this, but a day later, Gahlot joined the BJP.
Kailash Gahlot was inducted into the BJP by Union Ministers ML Khattar and Harsh Malhotra. Now, the question arises why did Kailash Gahlot who despite being a close confidante of Arvind Kejriwal quit the party and joined the BJP. The opposition have continuously pointed out that the BJP's tactics to use central investigative agencies like CBI and ED to poach party leaders. However, Gahlot has denied the claim of jumping the ship under any pressure.
Why did Kailash Gahlot quit AAP?
After joining the BJP, Kailash Gahlot said, "This is not an easy step for me... I was a part of the AAP since the time of Anna Hazare and have worked for Delhi throughout... as MLA and minister..Some may think this is an overnight decision... or due to pressure. But I want to tell them I haven't ever taken any decision due to pressure."
On being asked if he jumped the ship under CBI or ED pressure, Kailash Gahlot said, "There is a narrative I did this due to Central Bureau of Investigation or Enforcement Directorate pressure. I want to tell them (his critics) ... since 2015, as AAP member. as MLA, and as Minister - I have never done anything due to pressure... the fact is, AAP compromised its values." Gahlot alleged that AAP National Convenor Kejriwal has "political ambitions" which has overtaken its commitment to the people. Gahlot was pointing out the former Delhi CM's ambition to be Prime Minister of India.
The rift between Gahlot and AAP
The rift between Gahlot and AAP started a few months back. Kailash Gahlot was among one of the top persons who could replace Arvind Kejriwal as Delhi CM after he stepped down.
As per NDTV, when Kejriwal was lodged in Tihar jail, a major discussion took place on who would host the national flag during Independence Day last year. AAP National Convenor delegated this duty to Atishi who is currently the CM of Delhi.
However, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena intervened and handed the job to Kailash Gahlot, who complied without any conciliatory words to Arvind Kejriwal or Atishi.
On November 19, 2024, while talking to a newswire, Gahlot was asked whether he was not happy with his portfolio under Atishi. Gahlot said, "I am still identified as the Transport Minister. I gained enjoyment and satisfaction while handling Transport...I spent all of my time in handling Transport. I have nothing against anyone. It is the prerogative of the CM that what portfolio has to be given to who. I have nothing to say on that."
Kailash Gahlot on IT raids
Kailash further said, "There was an Income Tax search on my residence in 2018, but I didn't get scared. There must be pressure at that time as well. CBI questioned me and I appeared before them as many times as I was called. I answered all of their questions. So, there must have been a fear at that time too. Nobody knows about my ED-CBI questioning, I believe that it is not necessary to tell everything through a press conference or to hold a press conference on every small thing. I appeared before ED when they sent me a summon. I answered their questions and cooperated in every possible way. So, there must have been a fear at that time too...There is no summon pending as of now. There is no inquiry pending as of now. So, what is this fear. Yesterday too, I said that I have never worked under fear or pressure and there is no pressure on me..."