Just two days after stepping down from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), former Delhi cabinet minister Kailash Gahlot revealed on Tuesday that he found the strength to leave the party, noting that numerous others share his sentiments but lack the bravery to act.
“It’s not something that happens instantly. It requires time to grasp certain concepts. I’m emphasizing this point again: we are bound by certain values and principles. If we observe a weakening of these, I believe I had the courage to depart.
There are many others like me who are unable to summon the courage. I believe they will persist,” Gahlot stated, who had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday.
Gahlot’s departure was a surprise just a few months before the Delhi Assembly elections. In response to his move, BJP leader said it was a difficult decision made due to the party’s “internal challenges.”
AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal issued a short statement: “He is free to make his own choices.” However, the AAP accused Gahlot of being influenced by the BJP, citing his investigations by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
“The ‘Modi washing machine’ has been active in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections,” the AAP claimed on social media, referring to the Opposition’s allegation that affiliating with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP helps individuals evade investigations.
Gahlot vehemently denied that his decision was swayed by any external forces.
Despite admitting that his home was raided by the CBI in 2018, Gahlot stated: “There are no pending summons or inquiries at the moment. So, what’s the concern? Yesterday, I also mentioned that I have never worked under fear or pressure…”
