Ex-BJP MLA Anil Jha joins AAP shortly after Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot’s exit

Sun Nov 17 10:34:46 UTC 2024: ## BJP MLA Defects to AAP, Citing Disillusionment and Praising Kejriwal’s Work

**New Delhi, November 17, 2024** – A significant shift in Delhi’s political landscape occurred today as Anil Jha, a two-time BJP MLA from Kirari, joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The move comes on the heels of AAP MLA Kailash Gahlot’s resignation, attributed to unfulfilled promises and internal controversies.

Jha, known for his strong grassroots support within the Purvanchali community (people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar), cited disillusionment with the BJP’s leadership and policies as the reason for his defection. He specifically praised AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal for his work improving infrastructure and access to basic amenities in areas heavily populated by Purvanchal residents, highlighting improvements in water access as a key achievement.

“If there is one person who has worked for the Purvanchali community in Delhi, it is Arvind Kejriwal,” Jha stated, criticizing the BJP’s alleged neglect of the community’s needs. He further described some BJP Delhi leaders as “spoilt sons” and the central BJP leadership as an ineffective “old father” unable to control them.

Kejriwal welcomed Jha, calling him a prominent Purvanchali leader and emphasizing the AAP’s commitment to the community’s welfare. The Purvanchali vote, once a Congress stronghold, has significantly shifted towards the AAP since 2015. Jha’s addition is seen as a strategic move by the AAP to solidify its position within this crucial demographic ahead of the next Delhi assembly elections.