Kiran Bedi speaks of her secular credentials in East Delhi’s Muslim-dominated constituencies

Following derogatory remarks in the past, the BJP has been fighting to regain what little popularity they had garnered through 2013 CM candidate Harsh Vardhan. In December, Uttar Pradesh MP Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti had told voters that the choice for a government in Delhi was between “ramzaadein or haraamzaadein.”

“My Muslim brothers and Hindu brothers, in 40 years of service I have never discriminated against anyone. I have striven to get justice for all,” Bedi repeated at various stops during the roadshow.

Bedi also spoke directly to the women of the constituency, speaking of education for women, skill development and financial security. But, there too, the “Muslim” prefaced development.

“I want to educate my Muslim sisters. I want to give them skills to join the workforce. I want their daughters to grow up educated and be self reliant. I want them to be like me,” she said.

As the caravan stopped on the road in front of a jansabha organised for incumbent MLA Mateen Ahmad, Bedi again spoke of her “secular heritage”.

“When I was writing my IPS exam at the age of 20, the form asked for my religion. I wrote Humanity. I am 60 now and still say that my religion is humanity,” she said.

The roadshow travelled through Seelampur and Ghonda constituencies, covering several neighbourhoods in the area.

Emphasising her history as a tough police officer, Bedi also promised the women in the crowd that she would not use “excuses” as the chief minister, taking a dig at former CM Sheila Dikshit and Kejriwal’s infamous dharna.

“If any policewala misbehaves with you, if there is any injustice towards you, there will be a phone number for the CM”s office. I will never say that police is not under my control,” Bedi said.

In an open challenge to Congress supporters in the area, Bedi also said there was a need for “a government that can work with the Centre, or else development will stop because of funding hassles”.