Former Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot on Monday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a day after parting ways with the Aam Aadmi Party. Gehlot joined the saffron party in the presence of Union Minister ML Khattar and Delhi BJP chief Virendraa Sachdeva.

Talking about his political move, Gehlot said the decision to switch sides was not made overnight and he was not under any pressure to do so, as cited by the AAP. "Some people must be thinking that this decision was taken overnight and under someone's pressure. I want to tell them that I have never done anything under anyone's pressure till date...I am hearing that an attempt is being made to build a narrative that it was done under the pressure of ED and CBI but all this is wrong," Gehlot said.  

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Gehlot said he joined the AAP with the purpose of serving people but the values of the party were compromised. He said the ‘aam aadmi’ of the party had become ‘khas’ now.

"I joined AAP with the purpose of serving the people of Delhi. The values for which we joined the Aam Aadmi Party were being completely compromised in front of my eyes. These may be my words but I guarantee that behind these words there is the voice of lakhs and thousands of AAP workers...They joined to serve the common man, they have become 'Khaas' from 'Aam admi' now," he added. 

In a major blow the the AAP, Gehlot, a close aide of Arvind Kejriwal, severed ties with the party ahead of the Assembly polls in Delhi. He also resigned from the Council of Ministers.

Gahlot, who held key portfolios such as Finance and Transport, represents the Najafgarh constituency. He cited the Sheeshmahal controversy involving Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the ongoing tensions between the AAP government and the Centre as reasons for his decision.

AAP alleged Gehlot’s resignation was a part of BJP’s dirty politics and he was pressured to do so. "Kailash Gahlot's resignation is a part of BJP's dirty politics and conspiracy. BJP govt conducted ED raids on him. Income Tax raids were conducted at his residence for several days. BJP put an allegation of Rs 112 crores on him. Pressure was created on him due to which Kailash Gahlot had to take this step. He did not have any option other than joining BJP," senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh said on Sunday. 

On Gehlot's move, AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal earlier today said the former was free to go wherever he wanted. 

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AAP leader Raghuvinder Shokeen will be the new minister of the Delhi cabinet. Shokeen is an MLA from Nangloi Jat. He has been inducted into Atishi’s team to fill the position vacated by Gahlot, ANI reported citing party sources.