Kiran Bedi joins BJP; Kejriwal says 'I am happy she has joined politics'

NEW DELHI: Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi was on Thursday inducted into the BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah at the party headquarters. Speaking on the occasion, Kiran Bedi said she had decided to join BJP due to the inspirational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Modi's leadership inspired me to take the plunge in politics," Kiran Bedi said. "I have never worked for position or money. I've always looked at what I can contribute towards the country," Kiran Bedi said. Reacting to the news, AAP chief Arvind Kejrial said he was happy she had joined politics. "I have been fond of Kiran Bedi ji. I always tried to convince her that she should join politics. I am happy she did it today," he tweeted. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh also tweeted, "U Turn Ms Kiran Bedi? Or genuine change of heart? My best wishes to you. May God be with you." However, another Congress leader Ajay Maken was not so forthcoming. "It is shocking and sad at the same time," he said. Kiran Bedi, who came to the BJP office along with Amit Shah, will contest the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. BJP chief Amit Shah, however, refused to commit if Kiran Bedi would be made the party's chief ministerial candidate. "Kiran Bedi will provide great strength to the Delhi BJP ," president Amit Shah said, adding, "her positive contributions will help the party in a big way." The entire BJP Delhi is happy about Kiran Bedi joining the party, Amit Shah said. Soon after joining the BJP, Kiran Bedi said, "With our team work we will work towards a steady, stable and corruption-free government." "BJP has given me an opportunity to return back everything I got, to the nation, I'm in mission mode now," she said, adding, "Delhi needs a strong clear-headed, stable government". "I want to turn Delhi into the world's best capital," she added. Finance minister Arun Jaitley praised the administrative skills and credibility of Kiran Bedi as a police officer. "She has an image of a crusader," Jaitley said, adding, "her presence will add strength to the party." AAP welcomed Kiran Bedi's decision to take a plunge in politics. "Kiran ji was against party politics during India against corruption movement, she seemed to have changed her point of view," AAP leader Atishi Marlena said. "But she is welcome to join politics, she is welcome to join BJP," the AAP leader added. Speculation is also rife about Jaya Prada and Shazia Ilmi joining BJP ahead of Delhi assembly elections. While Jaya Prada in an interview to Times Now confirmed that she is in talks with the party, Shazia Ilmi sought time before taking a final decision. Shazia Ilmi, however, made it clear that she will campaign against AAP and will work "to expose AAP for what it is." Delhi goes to polls on February 7. The counting of votes will take place on February 10.(Inputs from PTI)