Not an easy decision for me: Ex-Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot joins BJP a day after quitting Kejriwal's AAP

Former Delhi transport and environment minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday (Nov 18) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a day after he stepped down from his ministerial duties and also resigned from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in India's national capital.

Gahlot joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other party leaders. He had earlier arrived at the party's office in New Delhi.

His induction into the BJP came just months before the assembly elections in New Delhi.

'This was not an easy decision for me'

Addressing the media, Gahlot said that his decision to quit the AAP and join the BJP was not easy.

"I have been working for AAP and the people of Delhi since Anna Hazare's time. Some may think that I made this decision under pressure, but I want to clarify that I have never done anything under anyone's pressure," Gahlot added.

Welcoming Gahlot into the party, Union Minister Khattar said, "Today, Delhi's former minister Kailash Gahlot has joined the BJP. This is a turning point in Delhi's politics as a senior minister of the Delhi Govt has joined the BJP...," Khattar said.

VIDEO | "I am joining BJP today in the presence of Khattar ji. This was not an easy decision for me. I have been working for AAP and for the people of Delhi since Anna Hazare's time. Some may think that I made this decision under pressure, but I want to clarify that I have never… pic.twitter.com/UdoekuZeZe — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 18, 2024

"...I am sure that you must have seen the work of PM Modi and BJP before taking the decision to join BJP. I welcome you to the party," he added.

Why did Gahlot leave AAP?

On Sunday, Gahlot submitted his resignation from the ministerial post to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. He then wrote a letter to AAP's national convener and former CM Arvind Kejriwal about his decision to quit the party.

In his letter to Kejriwal, Gahlotraised several issues, including Sheeshmahal and Yamuna pollution, citing them as embarrassing and awkward controversies.

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Kailash Gahlot resigned from primary membership of Aam Aadmi Party; writes to party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.

The letter reads, "There are many embarrassing and awkward controversies like the 'Sheeshmahal', which are now making everyone… https://t.co/NVhTjXl1c2 pic.twitter.com/wVU7dSesBa — ANI (@ANI) November 17, 2024

"I 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.

Gahlot also said that instead of fighting for people's rights, the AAP was increasingly fighting for its own political agenda.

Meanwhile, the AAP announced on Monday thatRaghuvinder Shokeen will fill Gahlot's space in the Delhi cabinet. Shokeen is the party's MLA from Nangloi Jat.

(With inputs from agencies)