Major Shake-Up in Delhi Politics: AAP’s Bold Move with ‘Jat Face’ Raghuvinder Shokeen as Kailash Gahlot Joins BJP
In a significant political shift, former AAP leader and Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot resigned from both the Cabinet and the party, joining the BJP on Monday, as announced in the presence of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. In response, the Aam Aadmi Party has selected Nangloi Jat MLA Raghuvinder Shokeen to take Gahlot’s place. Additionally, Somesh Shokeen, a former Congress MLA from Matiala and another prominent Delhi Jat leader, has joined the AAP alongside Arvind Kejriwal.
Sources within the BJP reveal that Gahlot has been assured a ticket from the Najafgarh constituency in the upcoming elections. During his tenure in the AAP Cabinet, Gahlot managed key portfolios such as transport, home, and IT, and oversaw significant projects including bus depot electrification and the introduction of the Mahila Samman Rashi scheme.
Although Raghuvinder Shokeen’s specific portfolios have yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated he may inherit Gahlot’s previous responsibilities, including the execution of the Mahila Samman Rashi initiative targeted for Assembly polls. A two-time MLA, Shokeen has been with the AAP since 2015, after a stint with the BJP and service as an independent MCD councillor. His professional background as a civil engineer and educationist, coupled with his Jat identity, is expected to bolster the AAP’s appeal, particularly among rural and labourer populations.
Senior AAP leaders suggest Shokeen’s Jat identity will resonate with rural voters in Delhi, even though Jats constitute only 4-5% of the electorate. His grassroots connections and public engagement are seen as crucial assets for the party ahead of the elections.
The political dynamics in Delhi’s constituencies, influenced by these strategic shifts, will be pivotal in the lead-up to the polls, shaping alliances and voter engagement across the capital.
Original Story https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/kailash-gahlot-joins-bjp-aap-raghuvinder-shokeen-replace-him-9675769/
Category : Cities,Delhi
Tags:
Publish Date: 2024-11-18 14:12:00
