Political Shifts as Delhi Elections 2025 Approach: What This Senior BJP Leader Said While Joining AAP Following Kailash Gehlot’s Resignation From AAP?

As the Delhi Assembly elections 2025 draw closer, political shifts are unfolding that may significantly impact the capital’s political landscape. In a surprising development, Kailash Gehlot, the senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Transport Minister, announced his departure from AAP today on November 17, dealing a major blow to his party. On the other side, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also faced a significant setback, as two-time BJP MLA Anil Jha switched to AAP, strengthening their ranks.

Kailash Gehlot, a prominent figure in AAP and the MLA from Najafgarh, said he was resigning due to unresolved controversies and unmet promises. His departure comes at a critical time for AAP, with the party gearing up for the high-stakes election in Delhi next year. 

In a letter addressed to Delhi’s Chief Minister, Atishi, Gehlot resigned from the Council of Ministers effective immediately, marking an end to his influential role in the AAP government. His exit underscores potential dissatisfaction within AAP, raising questions about the party’s internal stability ahead of the election.

Anil Jha Joins AAP, Citing Admiration for Kejriwal’s Social Work

In an equally impactful move, Anil Jha, a former BJP MLA from the Kiradi constituency (2008, 2013), joined AAP, emphasizing his respect for AAP’s social initiatives under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership. 

During the induction event, Jha expressed his appreciation for AAP’s work, particularly for supporting underprivileged communities, including providing education, health, and security services to residents of slum areas with a high concentration of people from Purvanchal. 

Jha mentioned that after 32 years of loyalty to the BJP, he was moved by Kejriwal’s dedication to social justice and decided to join AAP.

Kejriwal Welcomes Jha’s Entry into AAP

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s national convener, welcomed Anil Jha to the party, expressing confidence that Jha’s experience and commitment would contribute to AAP’s mission in Delhi. Kejriwal’s statement highlighted Jha’s alignment with AAP’s values, suggesting that the move may enhance AAP’s outreach to communities that have traditionally supported BJP in Delhi.

Implications for Delhi Assembly Elections-2025

These unexpected moves signal potential shifts in voter alignments, with both AAP and BJP experiencing high-profile defections. As Gehlot’s exit and Jha’s entry into AAP reverberate through the political landscape, the impact of these changes may become more evident in the months leading to the election.

(PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY)