After Kailash Gahlot's exit, former BJP MLA Anil Jha joins AAP

In a significant political development, former BJP MLA Anil Jha joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday in the presence of party chief Arvind Kejriwal. The move comes shortly after Delhi Minister and AAP leader Kailash Gahlot announced his resignation, citing dissatisfaction with unfulfilled promises and recent controversies.

Anil Jha, a two-time BJP MLA from the Kirari Assembly constituency in North West Delhi, cited his disillusionment with the BJP’s leadership and policies as the primary reason for his switch. Known for his deep grassroots connections, Jha’s departure from the BJP is seen as a strategic gain for the AAP, particularly in a region traditionally dominated by the saffron party.

Expressing his admiration for Arvind Kejriwal, Jha remarked, "Arvind Kejriwal is the only leader who has truly worked for Delhi’s development. Under his leadership, we have seen real changes, including improved water access and infrastructure in neglected areas." Jha specifically highlighted the transformation in Kirari, where inadequate infrastructure had long plagued residents.

Kejriwal, while welcoming Jha, described the development as a testament to AAP's appeal as a party prioritizing Delhi’s progress over politics. He also reiterated his commitment to addressing critical issues in the city, including education, healthcare, and public utilities.

The resignation of Kailash Gahlot, an influential leader in the AAP, created ripples within the party earlier this week. Gahlot, who was instrumental in several high-profile policy initiatives, pointed to unaddressed grievances and controversies surrounding recent administrative decisions as reasons for his exit. His resignation has raised questions about internal challenges in the AAP, even as it continues to attract leaders like Jha from rival camps.

Observers suggest that Jha’s entry into the AAP might be a calculated move to reinforce the party’s presence in North West Delhi. With assembly elections on the horizon, both AAP and BJP appear to be reconfiguring their strategies to consolidate voter support in critical constituencies.