Kailash Gahlot resigns from Delhi Legislative Assembly

Former Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot resigned from the Delhi Legislative Assembly on Wednesday submitting his official letter to Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel.

Gahlot joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, a day after resigning from the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In his resignation letter, Gahlot, a prominent AAP leader, cited recent controversies surrounding the party and unfulfilled promises as reasons for his departure.

"If anyone thinks I have joined BJP under someone's pressure, I would like to say I have never done anything under pressure," Gahlot had said dismissing claims that his decision was influenced by external pressure.


Gahlot was welcomed into the BJP by Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Harsh Malhotra, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, and national media head Anil Baluni. Khattar called Gahlot's move a "turning point" in Delhi politics.

The BJP hopes Gahlot’s entry will strengthen its position ahead of upcoming assembly elections as it seeks to challenge AAP’s dominance. Sachdeva praised Gahlot for his work as a two-term MLA and advocate.

In his resignation letter to Chief Minister Atishi, Gahlot also stepped down from his position in the Delhi Cabinet. He further tendered his resignation from the primary membership of AAP in a separate letter to Arvind Kejriwal, sharing it publicly on social media.

Gahlot expressed frustration over what he described as "embarrassing" controversies within the party, particularly referring to the "Sheshmahal" issue, a reference to Kejriwal's former residence. He accused AAP of focusing on its own agenda rather than addressing the needs of the people, which he claimed had hindered the delivery of basic services in Delhi.

AAP has not yet responded to Gahlot's resignation or the concerns he raised.