Sun Nov 17 10:55:23 UTC 2024: ## Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot’s Resignation Sends Shockwaves Through AAP

**New Delhi:** Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister Kailash Gahlot’s sudden resignation has triggered a political maelstrom in Delhi. The unexpected move has sparked widespread speculation about its underlying causes, with political analysts debating whether it was an impulsive decision or a long-planned strategy.

Gahlot’s prominence was recently underscored when he, rather than Atishi (recommended by jailed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal), was chosen to hoist the flag on Independence Day. The Lieutenant Governor’s office justified the decision by citing Gahlot’s responsibility for the Home Department, making him the appropriate choice to receive the Delhi Police salute.

Gahlot’s recent active participation in government events, including the inauguration of a women’s bus depot on Saturday, further fuels the intrigue surrounding his resignation. The timing raises questions about potential internal conflicts within the AAP or a larger political game at play. The impact will undoubtedly be felt both in Delhi’s political landscape and within the AAP’s internal dynamics.

Gahlot’s increasingly close relationship with the Lieutenant Governor’s office during the imprisonment of key AAP leaders like Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, has been noted. While tension between the Delhi government and the Lieutenant Governor is common, Gahlot’s consistent attendance at meetings with the L-G’s office, contrasting with other ministers’ avoidance, is significant. This is further emphasized by the L-G’s active participation in inaugurations related to Gahlot’s departments.

The BJP’s muted response to Gahlot’s actions, in contrast to their aggressive attacks on other AAP ministers, has led to speculation of an unspoken understanding or compromise.

Adding to the complexity is the ongoing CBI investigation into the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus procurement case, launched in 2020 following allegations of corruption. Gahlot’s involvement in the drafting of Delhi’s liquor policy and subsequent questioning in March 2024 further complicates matters. The resignation’s true motivations remain shrouded in uncertainty, leaving the Delhi political scene in a state of flux.

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