New Delhi: Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot resigned from the cabinet and the party on Sunday, saying the outfit is facing grave challenges and controversies.
In a letter to AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot expressed concerns over the party’s deviation from its core values, stating that political ambitions have overtaken its commitment to the people.
Thanking Kejriwal for giving him the honour of serving and representing the people of Delhi as an MLA and a Minister, Gahlot said, “At the same time, I also want to share with you that today the Aam Aadmi Party faces grave challenges.”
“Challenges from within, to the very values that brought us together to AAP. Political ambitions have overtaken our commitment towards people, leaving many promises unfulfilled,” he said.
Highlighting unfulfilled promises, Gahlot mentioned the failure to clean the Yamuna River, which he said is “perhaps more polluted than ever before.”
He also referred to controversies, including the “Sheeshmahal,” calling it “embarrassing and awkward.”
“These controversies are now making everyone doubt whether we still believe in being the AAM AADMI,” he added.
Gahlot criticised the party for prioritising political agends over public welfare, saying it has “severely crippled” its ability to deliver basic services.
He also raised concerns about the ongoing conflict between the Delhi government and the Centre, which, he believes, is hindering progress in the capital.
“It is now obvious that real progress for Delhi cannot happen if the Delhi government spends the majority of its time fighting with the Centre,” Gahlot said.
“I began my political journey to serve the people of Delhi, and I wish to continue doing so. Therefore, I have no option but to step away from AAP,” Gahlot wrote in his resignation letter.
He thanked Kejriwal and his colleagues for their support during his tenure.
Sources said Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has accepted Gahlot’s resignation.
