New Delhi, Aug 15: Ashutosh, who was once seen as a close confidant of Arvind Kejriwal, on the occasion of Independence Day stunned the AAP when he resigned from the party. Though Ashutosh cited personal reasons behind his resignation from the AAP, it could be his difference with Kejriwal that emerged during Rajya Sabha elections in Delhi last year.

Ashutosh was a strong contender for a Rajya Sabha berth. According to reports, Kejriwal too wanted to send Ashutosh to the upper house of Parliament. However, the journalist-turned-politician refused because Kejriwal picked Sushil Gupta, a former Congress politician, as one of its three candidates for Rajya Sabha.

Ashutosh reportedly told Kejriwal that his conscience doesn't allow him to go to Rajya Sabha with Gupta. He opposed Gupta's nomination. However, Kejriwal didn't listen to him and later nominated chartered accountant ND Gupta in place of Ashutosh. Guptas were not associated with the AAP until they were chosen for the upper house by the party.

Since then, Ashutosh was upset with the AAP leadership and Kejriwal, said a report. Announcing his exit from the AAP, Ashutosh on Wednesday tweeted, "Every journey has an end. My association with AAP which was beautiful/revolutionary has also an end. I have resigned from the party (and) requested (it) to accept the same".

"It is purely from a very very personal reason," he added. Ashutosh, who was associated with IBN7, of the TV18 group, as Managing Editor, is among the founding leaders of the AAP.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2018 01:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).