In a significant development in Delhi politics, Kailash Gahlot, a former Delhi government minister and a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), resigned from the party on Sunday and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday. The 50-year-old leader, an advocate by profession, announced his decision at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, where he was welcomed by Union ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Harsh Malhotra, along with Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva and national media head Anil Baluni.

In his resignation letter to AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, Gahlot expressed his disappointment with the party, accusing it of abandoning its commitment to public welfare in favor of pursuing political ambitions. He criticized AAP for focusing on advancing its own political agenda rather than working for the betterment of the people. Gahlot, who has served as a two-term Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), also took aim at Kejriwal, citing controversies such as the 'sheeshmahal' incident, which he argued called into question whether AAP still adhered to its image as a party representing the "Aam Aadmi" (common man).

Gahlot’s defection to the BJP is seen as a major shift in Delhi's political landscape, particularly as the city heads toward its next assembly elections. BJP leaders, including Khattar, have described Gahlot’s move as a “turning point” for the party, which is keen to challenge the AAP’s stronghold in the capital. Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP president, praised Gahlot as a leader who is known for his "good work," and expressed confidence that his induction would strengthen the party's position in the upcoming elections.

In response, the AAP has suggested that Gahlot's decision was influenced by ongoing investigations by central agencies. Despite this, Gahlot’s move is likely to escalate the rivalry between the BJP and AAP, further intensifying the political battle in Delhi as both parties prepare for the 2024 Delhi Assembly elections.