Bedi talks of past feats, distributes comic book on herself

BJP party workers of Krishna Nagar constituency had more than one takeaway from Kiran Bedi’s aabhar sabha on Monday.

On the eve of the election results, the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate distributed copies of an “illustrative story book” – Making of the Top Cop among workers.

“The booklet will help you become sincere parents. A seed does not choose its gardener... Today I am what I am because of my parents,” said Bedi.

The booklet – which tells readers to “enjoy, share, imbibe” – highlights Bedi’s achievements from a young age and depicts her life in the form of illustration. She also highlighted the success stories of her siblings at the event reiterating the need for “good parenting”.

Though the event was organised at a banquet hall in a mall in East Delhi to thank party workers, Bedi took the opportunity to highlight her own achievements as an IPS officer and her efforts in electioneering since she filed the nomination papers from Krishna Nagar constituency.

“In the past 17 days, I have covered 45 constituencies, 180 constituencies and 1,800 km in Delhi. I have travelled in tempo, jeep or in any other vehicle that I was put in. I put blind faith in the party and went everywhere the party headquarters asked me to,” said Bedi.

With the exit polls predicting a majority for the Aam Aadmi Party, Bedi tried to keep the spirit of the BJP workers high and said she would take responsibility even if the BJP does not come to power in the Capital. Later, she dismissed the exit polls while speaking to reporters.

Asked on the timing of the sabha, Bedi said, “This event is only to thank the party workers. This has no connection with the outcome of the elections. We have worked hard for campaigning. Now, the result is in God’s hands.”

Amidst speculation that Bedi will face defeat from AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, the former IPS officer said she was not nervous at all. “I am not nervous about the election results. I have been a national level champion from the age of 20... I have played matches across the country.”

Hailing Bedi as “Dabaang behenji”, party workers dismissed the exit polls and said a win was assured. Bedi also distributed feedback forms among party workers inviting suggestions from them. The contact details would help her “keep in touch”, she said.

“We have been interacting with the public at the grassroot level and are sure Bediji will become the chief minister,” said Premjit, a party worker.

Laying down her plans for Krishna Nagar constituency, Bedi spoke of zero tolerance towards crime, traffic congestion and upgrading basic civic amenities. She wants to be connected with residents of the area through the roles of “a mother and a sister”, she told workers.

“I will develop the constituency like New Delhi and South Delhi... But this will also require equal participation from you.”

Bedi spoke of plans to establish vocational centres, a “Swachh” constituency, building parks for children and complete utilisation of public funds if she becomes an MLA in the area.

Harsh Vardhan, a five-time winner from the constituency, said, “I was happy when BJP decided to field a high-profile candidate from Krishna Nagar constituency. You have made me a winner five times before... She (Bedi) will be your representative from tomorrow. I will be less burdened now,” said Union minister Vardhan.

On exit polls, he told reporters, “I neither criticise it nor do I go by it. I am not an expert in this field.”