Mass exodus from AAP as MLAs allege corruption and nepotism; accuse party of abandoning anti-corruption ideals.
February 1, 2025: New Delhi:
In a dramatic turn of events just five days before the Delhi Assembly elections, eight sitting MLAs from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have tendered their resignations, citing disillusionment with the party’s leadership and governance. The MLAs claim they were denied tickets for re-election and have accused Arvind Kejriwal’s party of deviating from its founding principles.
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The Resigned MLAs and Their Grievances
The MLAs who resigned are:
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- Naresh Yadav (Mehrauli): Convicted in a Quran desecration case, Yadav accused AAP of becoming “entangled in corruption.”
- Rohit Kumar Mehraulia (Trilokpuri): Criticized the party for neglecting Dalit and Valmiki community issues and failing to scrap contract-based labor practices.
- Rajesh Rishi (Janakpuri): Highlighted nepotism and alleged the AAP has abandoned its transparency and corruption-free governance agenda.
- Madan Lal (Kasturba Nagar), Pawan Sharma (Adarsh Nagar), Bhavna Goud (Palam), Girish Soni (Madipur), and BS Joon (Bijwasan): Expressed frustration over the party’s drift from core values and ongoing controversies.
Targeting Kejriwal’s Leadership
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Bhavna Goud, in her resignation letter, directed her ire at AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, stating, “I have lost faith in you.” The discontent comes amidst allegations against Kejriwal and his former deputy Manish Sisodia, tied to the controversial Delhi liquor policy case.
Naresh Yadav accused the party of becoming a “swamp of corruption,” while Girish Soni cited scandals like the “Sheesh Mahal” controversy as reasons for his departure.
Impact on AAP’s Image
The resignations are a major blow to the party, which rose to prominence on the back of the Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement. Critics claim AAP has lost credibility due to allegations of mismanagement and a departure from its core values.
What’s Next?
With voting scheduled for February 5 and results to be declared on February 8, the political fallout from this mass exodus could significantly impact the party’s electoral prospects.
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AAP Resignations, Delhi Elections 2025, Arvind Kejriwal Controversy, AAP Corruption Allegations, Delhi Political News, Anna Hazare Movement, Delhi Polls Updates