Former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot joined the BJP on Monday, a day after resigning from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Gahlot was welcomed into the party at its headquarters by Union Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Harsh Malhotra, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, and national media head Anil Baluni. Addressing the media, Gahlot refuted allegations that his resignation was influenced by pressure from the ED and CBI. He stated that efforts to build such a narrative were false and claimed that AAP had compromised its founding values.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar described Gahlot’s induction as a turning point in Delhi politics, expressing confidence that it would boost the BJP’s chances in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva praised Gahlot as a two-term MLA and an advocate known for his good work and leadership.
On Sunday, Gahlot resigned from AAP, citing the party’s shift from focusing on public welfare to prioritizing political ambitions. In his resignation letter to AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot stated that instead of fighting for people’s rights, the party had increasingly been focused on its own agenda. He also expressed dissatisfaction with controversies like the ‘Sheeshmahal’ row, questioning whether AAP still upheld its core identity as the party of the common man.
AAP responded by alleging that Gahlot’s resignation was influenced by pressure from central agencies investigating him, a claim Gahlot dismissed. The BJP believes that Gahlot’s entry strengthens its position as it prepares to challenge AAP in the upcoming elections.
