Bharatiya Janata Party’s chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi on Tuesday lost to Aam Aadmi Party candidate SK Bagga in the Krishna Nagar constituency.
Bedi lost from Krishna Nagar by 2277 votes, which was considered to be a BJP bastion until now.
Addressing the media, Bedi said she respects people’s verdict and hoped Kejriwal will make Delhi a world-class city.
The former IPS officer thanked the ‘inspirational’ BJP leadership for inducting her into the party and anointing her as CM candidate.
“Party didn’t ask for any money from me and accepted me the way I am. I am thankful for all the respect and love I’ve received from BJP members,” Bedi asserted.
Bedi extended congratulations to the AAP and Kejriwal for the emphatic win. She hoped Kejriwal and his team will fulfil the poll promises and work for the poor.
She also apologised to the BJP leadership and party workers for not being able to live up to their expectations. “I think I haven’t lost, I did my best, I would have lost if I hadn’t given my best. The BJP will introspect,” Bedi added.
When asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi was responsible for the Delhi poll debacle, Bedi maintained, “Modi ji wasn’t the CM candidate, I’ve taken responsibility for the loss.”
Since 1993 the BJP hasn’t lost from the particular constituency. Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, who was the CM candidate for BJP in 2013 Delhi polls, had won from Krishna Nagar with a margin of 43,000 votes.
Bedi was hand picked by Amit Shah and inducted into the BJP in January this year.
Bedi’s induction into the BJP had led to discontentment amongst the Delhi unit.
Bedi, however, today maintained that she remains a member of the BJP.
“I am happy to be a member of a strong national party,” she asserted.
