Ex-BJP MLA Anil Jha joins AAP
Just moments after the resignation of Kailash Gahlot, former BJP MLA Anil Jha joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday in the presence of the party’s national convenor Arvind Kejriwal. Jha, a two-time BJP legislator from the Kirari constituency, switched allegiance to the AAP at an event in Delhi, citing dissatisfaction with his former party’s treatment of the people of Purvanchal.
“There is no place for the people of Purvanchal in the party I used to work for,” Jha said, taking a direct swipe at the BJP. “I thank Arvind Kejriwal for working tirelessly for unauthorised colonies and weaving the fabric of social justice for Dalits and the people belonging to Purvanchal and backward classes. If anyone is strengthening the slogan of social justice, it is Arvind Kejriwal,” he added.
Welcoming Jha into the party fold, Kejriwal lauded him as a prominent leader of the people of Purvanchal. “I welcome Anil Jha to the AAP. He is considered one of the biggest leaders of Purvanchal and has worked diligently for its people,” said the former Chief Minister at a press conference.Kejriwal is dodging questions because he is scared of what Gahlot might reveal,” Yadav said.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva criticised Kejriwal’s reaction to the resignation, stating, “Resignations are not uncommon in politics, but the questions raised by Kailash Gahlot in his letter demand answers from Kejriwal. Instead of addressing the concerns, he threw the microphone. This shows his unethical behaviour.”
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari called Gahlot’s resignation a “death knell” for AAP. “With the resignation of Kailash Gahlot, AAP is finished. He was one of the top three leaders in the party and held an important ministry. His resignation endorses what all of Delhi already alleges — that AAP has no intention of serving the state. Many others in AAP are now likely considering leaving the party,” Tiwari said.
