Kailash Gahlot Resignation: AAP Blames BJP’s ‘Vile Politics’, Delhi Congress Questions Kejriwal’s Silence

AAP alleges ED and Income Tax probes pressured Kailash Gahlot to quit the party, accusing the BJP of using central agencies to target its leaders. Congress questions AAP's silence on the matter, suggesting hidden secrets.

File Photo of former Delhi minister Kailash Gehlot and AAP MP Sanjay Singh

Source : PTI

Ahead of the crucial Delhi Assembly elections, Kailash Gahlot, a former minister in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, has resigned from his ministerial position and the party. Gahlot, who held significant portfolios such as Transport, has sparked intense political speculation, with many anticipating his possible induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Reacting strongly to Gahlot's resignation, AAP MP Sanjay Singh launched a scathing attack on the BJP. He remarked, “Those who join the BJP suddenly become clean, thanks to Modi's washing powder.” His comment came as Gahlot had been under scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department, with multiple raids carried out at his premises. 

Sanjay Singh claimed, “Kailash Gahlot’s resignation is part of the BJP's vile politics and conspiracy. The Modi government used ED raids and Income Tax probes to harass him. They have repeatedly raided his home, trying to force him into submission.”  

The Rajya Sabha MP added, “The BJP left him with no choice. For five years, he served as a minister, and now the BJP is making him speak on their terms.”

कैलाश गहलोत जी का इस्तीफ़ा बीजेपी की गंदी राजनीति और षड्यंत्र का हिस्सा है। कैलाश गहलोत के ऊपर ED-CBI का छापा डलवाकर दबाव बनाया गया और अब जो स्क्रिप्ट बीजेपी की तरफ़ से उन्हें दी गई है, वह उसी हिसाब से बोल रहे हैं।

दिल्ली चुनाव से पहले Modi Washing Machine सक्रिय हो गई है। अब… pic.twitter.com/Z7OoJoeMnb

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) November 17, 2024

At a press conference held to induct former BJP MLA Anil Jha into AAP, Kejriwal avoided directly answering questions about Gahlot’s exit. When asked about it, he passed on the microphone to senior AAP leader Durgesh Pathak, who accused the BJP of using central agencies to target AAP members. “BJP has lost in Delhi and has no issues to campaign on, so they use ED, CBI, and Income Tax as their weapons,” Pathak said.

Watch | अरविंद केजरीवाल ने प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस कर BJP को दिया चैलेंज @awdheshkmishra | https://t.co/smwhXUROiK #Delhi #Breaking #AAP #KailashGahlot #AnilJjha #ArvindKejriwal pic.twitter.com/qc2AFPeAKw

— ABP News (@ABPNews) November 17, 2024

Delhi Congress On Kailash Gehlot's Exit From AAP: 'Kejriwal Is Scared, Dodging Questions'

Delhi Congress President Devender Yadav also questioned AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal’s silence on the matter, implying a cover-up. “It is clear that Kailash Gahlot can expose a lot of secrets. That is why, the national convener and former CM didn't answer questions, and an MLA attempted to answer it. This clearly shows that Kejriwal is scared and is dodging questions. What are the secrets hidden in the heart and mind of Kailash Gahlot, that Arvind Kejriwal is scared of coming out in the open?” Yadav told news agency ANI.

#WATCH | On Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot’s resignation from AAP, Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav says, "This means it is clear that Kailash Gahlot can expose a lot of secrets. That is why, the national convener and former CM didn't answer questions, and an MLA attempted to… pic.twitter.com/YIPUGOGPuN

— ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2024

Hours before these remarks, Gahlot announced his resignation on X, criticising AAP for prioritising political ambitions over public service. He lamented the party’s unfulfilled promises, including the failure to clean the Yamuna River. “The Yamuna is now even more polluted,” he wrote.

Gahlot also took indirect jabs at Kejriwal, referring to controversies such as the renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence, which the BJP calls “Sheeshmahal.” 

pic.twitter.com/BxwMt3A85p

— Kailash Gahlot (@kgahlot) November 17, 2024

He expressed disillusionment, stating that such controversies are making people doubt “whether we still believe in being the Aam Aadmi.”