Shocking Decline: AAP’s Kailash Gahlot Faces Backlash Amidst Poll Defeat & I-Day Function Drama | Delhi News
Former Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot’s departure from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) appears to be linked to his dwindling popularity and performance, both inside and outside the party. Sources suggest that the AAP’s senior leadership had anticipated Gahlot’s resignation for months and had already planned his replacement from the Jat community, which he represents as a two-time Najafgarh MLA.
Gahlot’s diminishing appeal was evident in successive political contests. Except for the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, his electoral performance was lackluster, including the 2017 MCD elections and the recent Lok Sabha elections. His decision to oversee the Independence Day celebrations in Arvind Kejriwal’s absence, while the Chief Minister was in judicial custody, reportedly strained relations further. Although Gopal Rai had selected Atishi for the role, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena appointed Gahlot, a decision Kejriwal reportedly disapproved of.
Insiders revealed that Kejriwal was personally displeased with Gahlot’s acceptance of the nomination. Speculation was rife that Gahlot would be dropped from the next AAP government and denied a ticket due to his declining popularity in his constituency. In the 2020 elections, Gahlot won his seat with just over 55,500 votes, a margin of around 6,000 votes. Comparatively, during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the AAP’s vote count in his constituency was lower than the Congress’s.
In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the AAP-Congress alliance faced a significant defeat in Najafgarh, with BJP candidate Kamaljeet Sehrawat securing a resounding victory. Additionally, Gahlot’s absence during the party’s COVID-19 outreach further fueled discontent. Party leaders criticized his lack of ground presence, citing health issues as an excuse. In summary, a combination of electoral setbacks, strained relationships, and perceived inactivity contributed to Gahlot’s downfall within the AAP.
Original Story https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/kailash-gahlot-aap-leaders-on-exit-move-9675039/
Category : Cities,Delhi
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Publish Date: 2024-11-18 05:10:00
