Mon Nov 18 12:58:36 UTC 2024: ## AAP Minister Kailash Gahlot Joins BJP, Citing Disillusionment and Corruption

**New Delhi:** In a significant political shift, Delhi Cabinet Minister Kailash Gahlot joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, a day after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Gahlot’s resignation letter, addressed to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, cited deep concerns over AAP’s alleged deviation from its core principles, unfulfilled promises, and involvement in corruption.

Gahlot, who was inducted into the BJP by Delhi BJP President Virender Sachdeva in the presence of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, denied that his decision was influenced by pressure from investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He asserted that his move stemmed from disillusionment with the AAP’s performance and its alleged shift away from serving the “aam aadmi” (common man).

Gahlot’s letter to Kejriwal highlighted four key reasons for his resignation: grave challenges faced by the AAP, failure to deliver on promises like cleaning the Yamuna river, controversies casting doubt on the party’s commitment to its core values, and the perception that the party’s focus has shifted from serving the public to pursuing political agendas.

The AAP responded sharply to Gahlot’s defection. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated that Gahlot was free to make his own choices, while AAP leader Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of using its investigative agencies to poach AAP leaders ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Deputy Chief Minister Atishi termed Gahlot’s move a “dirty conspiracy” by the BJP to win the elections through intimidation.

Gahlot’s defection follows his involvement in the Delhi excise policy scam, where he faced questioning by the ED. He was also previously in the spotlight for his role in a flag-hoisting controversy on Independence Day.

The BJP, however, welcomed Gahlot, with Delhi BJP leader Kapil Mishra portraying the move as a rejection of alleged corruption within the AAP. Interestingly, within hours of Gahlot’s resignation, former BJP MLA Anil Jha joined the AAP, highlighting the ongoing flux in Delhi’s political landscape.

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