Former Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot, who resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) two days ago, spoke on Tuesday about the courage it took for him to leave the party. He shared that while many others feel similarly, they lack the bravery to take action.
Gahlot explained that the decision didn’t come instantly but was the result of time spent reflecting on his principles and values. He reiterated, “We are connected to some values and principles. If we see some dilution in the same, I think I mustered courage to quit.
There are several others like me who are unable to muster courage. I think they will continue.” Gahlot, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday, emphasized that his resignation was not made lightly but was driven by internal challenges within the AAP, just months before the Delhi Assembly elections.
In response, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal made a brief statement, stating, “He is free to go wherever he wants.” However, the party accused Gahlot of bowing to pressure from the BJP, citing his ongoing investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
AAP posted on X, alleging that the “Modi washing machine” had been activated before the Delhi Assembly elections, referencing claims that joining the BJP helps people avoid scrutiny and investigations.
Gahlot strongly rejected these accusations, asserting that his decision was made independently. While he acknowledged a 2018 CBI raid at his residence, he clarified, “There is no summon pending as of now. There is no inquiry pending as of now. So, what is this fear? Yesterday too, I said that I have never worked under fear or pressure…”