Kailash Gahlot On Switch From AAP To BJP

Kailash Gahlot, Delhi’s former Transport Minister and, till Sunday, one of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party’s senior-most leaders, crossed the aisle this morning to join rivals Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Union Ministers ML Khattar and Harsh Malhotra. Mr Khattar described Mr Gahlot’s induction as a “turning point”, especially before the February election.

“This is not an easy step for me… I was a part of the AAP since the time of Anna Hazare (the anti-corruption activist whose popular movement birthed the AAP) and have worked for Delhi throughout… as MLA and minister,” Mr Gahlot said in his first comments after joining the BJP.

“Some may think this is an overnight decision… or due to pressure. But I want to tell them I haven’t ever taken any decision due to pressure,” he told reporters, firmly rejecting speculation the move was the result of “pressure” from federal investigative agencies. “There is a narrative I did this due to Central Bureau of Investigation or Enforcement Directorate pressure. I want to tell them (his critics) since 2015, as AAP member. as MLA, and as Minister – I have never done anything due to pressure,” he said, hitting out at his former party instead. AAP compromised its values,” he declared, claiming “political ambitions” (seen as a swipe at talk of Mr Kejriwal as Prime Minister) had overtaken its commitment to the people.