AAP could be a very responsible Opposition: Kiran Bedi

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a year-old political outfit has taken all by surprise with its extraordinary performance in the Delhi Assembly elections 2013. The results clearly indicate that the Delhiites, who came out to vote in large numbers wanted a change from the traditional politics of Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In an exclusive interview to Biplob Ghosal of Zee Media Corp, former Delhi cop Kiran Bedi discusses the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party`s surge in Delhi. Biplob: How do you view Aam Aadmi Party’s impressive show in Delhi Assembly elections? Kiran Bedi: Aam Aadmi Party gave space to simple, well meaning, service-oriented citizens. It remained value-driven and stuck to its principles. It used all modes of communication setting new rules and trouncing outdated ways of political campaigning. May I add here that the Aam Admi Party took off from where the India Against Corruption movement ended. It built on the foundations of IAC (India Against Corruption Movement) started in April 2010, and renamed it AAP. Hence from IAC in 2010, it became AAP in December 2011. Biplob: Do you think that if Anna Hazare would have campaigned for AAP, the new political outfit would have got a majority? Kiran Bedi: Anna was all along averse to any personal involvement in any political formation. Biplob: Poll results show that AAP will be the second largest party in Delhi? What impact do you believe that the party would now have in Delhi administration? Kiran Bedi: It could be very responsible Opposition. In fact it can drive the change it wishes to be. Delhi will henceforth be better governed and totally accountable. Biplob: Has Arvind Kejriwal become a brand name in politics and what’s your message to him? Kiran Bedi: He was earlier with RTI and now in politics. He did very well then and is expected to do even better now, since he will have all the resources now.