New Delhi [India]: In a major political shakeup just a week before the Delhi Assembly elections, seven MLAs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have resigned from their posts and the party’s primary membership, citing disillusionment with the leadership and deviation from the party’s founding principles.
The MLAs who resigned are:
- Rohit Maharoliya (Trilokpuri)
- Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar)
- Rajesh Rishi (Janakpuri)
- Bhavna Gaud (Palam)
- Bhupender Singh June (Bijwasan)
- Pawan Kumar Sharma (Adarsh Nagar)
Allegations of Unfulfilled Promises and Betrayal
Rohit Kumar Mehraulia, MLA from Trilokpuri, accused AAP of “exploiting” the Dalit and Valmiki community for political gains while failing to deliver on promises of uplifting marginalized groups. He also pointed to unkept pledges regarding ending contract employment and making temporary staff permanent.
“I had great hopes when I joined AAP, but I have been repeatedly silenced whenever I raised concerns for my community,” Mehraulia stated.
Similarly, Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar) and Bhavna Gaud (Palam) announced their exit from the party, expressing a loss of faith in AAP and its leader, Arvind Kejriwal.
Rajesh Rishi (Janakpuri) accused AAP of abandoning its core principles of corruption-free governance, transparency, and accountability.
Pawan Kumar Sharma (Adarsh Nagar) shared his disappointment in a statement:
“The party has deviated from the honest ideology on which it was built. It pains me to witness its downfall. Please accept my resignation.”
Bhupender Singh June (Bijwasan) echoed similar sentiments, stating:
“AAP was envisioned as a transparent, people-centric organization. However, it has become centralized, opaque, and lacking internal democracy.”
Political Impact and Upcoming Elections
The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with vote counting on February 8. The mass resignations pose a significant challenge to AAP, which has been in power in Delhi since 2015.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are likely to capitalize on the turmoil within AAP as the elections approach.
With growing discontent among party members, the future of AAP and its leadership under Arvind Kejriwal remains uncertain.