BJP to project Kiran Bedi as Delhi CM candidate?

Photo: ZEEnews

In its game changing decision, the BJP has announced to go into the Delhi polls under India’s first woman IPS officer Dr. Kiran Bedi. Although the final decision on announcing her as party’s chief ministerial candidate may or may not be taken in Parliamentary Board members on January 19, but it is almost clear that the party would project her as the prime face to take on AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal.

In its desperation to make the Delhi-election into a presidential-style face-off between Bedi and Kejriwal, the party has decided to put posters with Bedi’s picture across the capital.

Bedi has confirmed that she would contest the assembly elections, but the party has decided whether to put her against Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. However, in an interview with a TV channel Ms. Bedi told she would like to fight against Kejriwal.

“I’m ready to fight Kejriwal directly in his constituency,” Bedi said.

Welcoming Ms Bedi into the party, BJP president Amit Shah said, “The parliamentary board will take a call on who will be CM and all BJP leaders could be considered by the board including Bedi who has now joined the party.”

Photo: PTI

“Kiran Bedi’s constructive contribution will play an important role in ensuring that BJP lives up to the expectation of the people in the election and in any future government,” he added.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley said, “She has experience in governance and enjoys a credible image. She is associated with certain values. She has been a crusader in government as well as outside it for a long time.”

“I will ensure that all citizens are involved in making Delhi a better city. Time is precious for me… I always think what is the content of my job. We all have to work together. I will dedicate everything I have to Delhi, to country. I am very happy that BJP has given me this opportunity,” Kiran Bedi said.

“I joined BJP due to the inspirational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Delhi needs a strong, clear headed and stable government. We have to make it capital number one in the world,” she added.

“I have 40 years of experience in administration serving in Delhi, Mizoram, Punjab and elsewhere in the country, and will now use that 40 years of experience entirely for Delhi,” the CM aspirant said.

It could turn out to be an interesting contest as two former close associates of Anna Hazare would tear each other to get the top post in one of the most prestigious battles in recent times.