AAP Blames ED, CBI For Kailash Gahlot's Resignation, Slams 'Low-Level Politics' Of BJP

In a crucial political shake-up, Delhi's Transport Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kailash Gahlot has resigned from the party's primary membership.

Addressing his resignation letter to AAP's National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Gahlot cited unfulfilled promises and recent controversies as the main reasons for his departure.

Photo Credit: PTI

Gahlot, who oversaw key portfolios including Transport, Administrative Reforms, IT, Home, and Women & Child Development, has also tendered his resignation from the Council of Ministers of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

'Failure to deliver promises'

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Gahlot accused AAP of failing to honour its commitments to the people of Delhi. He pointed to the unfulfilled pledge to clean the Yamuna River as a major example. "We promised the people a cleaner Yamuna, but we have failed to deliver on that commitment," he wrote.

Row over Kejriwal's bungalow

Gahlot also addressed the controversy surrounding Arvind Kejriwal's official residence, often referred to as "Sheeshmahal." In his letter, he stated, "There are several embarrassing and bizarre issues like Sheeshmahal, which have now led people to question whether we still believe in being the party of the common man."

He further highlighted the ongoing conflicts between the Delhi government and the central government as a barrier to progress. "It is now clear that if the Delhi government spends most of its time fighting with the Centre, real progress for Delhi is not possible," he added.

'Resignation a necessity'

Concluding his letter, Gahlot remarked, "I find myself left with no option but to step away from AAP, and therefore, I am resigning from the primary membership of the party." His resignation is seen as a considerable blow to AAP, particularly with the Delhi elections anticipated in February.

AAP blames BJP

Responding to Gahlot's resignation, AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of orchestrating the move through "low-level politics." Singh alleged, "The BJP has succeeded in its conspiracy, its low-level politics.

Gahlot, who was under pressure from the BJP and had been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), was being targeted by central agencies, including the CBI and ED."

Addressing the allegations raised by Gahlot, Singh claimed, "He can't make such allegations as he was part of the government for 5 years. BJP has handed over a script to Gahlot, he will have to act accordingly."

BJP Reacts

Reacting to the resignation, the BJP shared a post on X saying, "Everyone is going to run away from Kejriwal's sinking boat." It added, "BJP is coming to Delhi."

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also commented, "Just now, Kailash Gahlot has resigned from AAP and his ministerial position. He said how Aam Aadmi Party has now become a 'Khaas Aadmi Party.' All the promises made to the people of Delhi have been broken, and the party has been engulfed in corruption."