Former New Delhi minister Kailash Gahlot, who resigned from the Aam Aadmi Party on November 17, has joined the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.

“I have joined the BJP today. This wasn’t an easy decision. I’ve been dedicated to AAP and the people of Delhi since the days of Anna Hazare,” he said in a statement.

This declaration comes in response to AAP’s allegations that Gahlot had “no choice” but to leave due to mounting pressure following multiple raids by the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax over the past five years.

“Some may believe I acted under pressure, but I want to make it clear that I’ve never succumbed to anyone’s demands.”

Former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva were present at the event where Gahlot joined Modi’s BJP.

“He is free; he can go wherever he wants,” Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal stated while reacting to Gahlot’s resignation during a press briefing where Congress leader Sumesh Shokeen joined AAP.

The AAP is reeling from the significant loss ahead of next year’s Delhi Assembly elections, accusing the BJP of orchestrating a campaign to pressure their leaders through central investigative agencies.

In light of Gahlot’s departure, AAP has announced that Raghuvinder Shokeen, the MLA from Nangloi Jat, will take his place in the Delhi cabinet. Gahlot previously managed key portfolios, including transport, administrative reforms, information technology, home, and women and child development.