New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi on Monday slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for raising objections about her seating arrangement at the Republic Day celebrations. She also mocked AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for "playing sob sob" over not being invited on the occasion.
"Now, would they (AAP) decide where should I sit? No number was mentioned on the pass. Why would anyone else decide where should I sit?" Bedi asked.
The former IPS officer was also miffed at the AAP for using her pictures in the party's new posters without her permission.
"First of all, they should not have used my picture. Without taking my permission you are using my picture. If you are using someone else's pictures, then it is your responsibility to ask before doing," she said, as per ANI.
According to reports, the AAP had raised questions about Bedi's front row seat at the Republic Day function. The party was also reportedly upset over the non-invitation to its chief Arvind Kejriwal to witness the Republic Day parade.
During the Republic Day celebrations, earlier in the day today, Bedi, who in 1975 had led the Delhi Police contingent, was seen seated in the VIP enclosure at the venue.
"I think he is playing sob sob. I think he must grow up. Invitations come not when you desire. They come by something else but they are never demanded, they come by rules and regulations, by protocols whatever it is," Bedi told a TV channel.
The AAP accused the government of "politicising" the occasion by not inviting Kejriwal.
"It is for the country to see what is being done. How a sacred occasion like the Republic day is being politicised. the camera was focusing a little extra on her," senior AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said, PTI reported.
He also accused the government of using state power for political gains by repeatedly focusing the cameras on her.
"The camera was focusing a little extra on her. People realise when state power is used for political gains. I do hope the Election Commission was also watching," he said.
Days ago, the AAP chief had claimed the Centre had not extended him an invite to attend the Republic Day celebrations, triggering sharp reaction from his party and the Congress.
"I haven't got any invitation. If protocol says it should be sent, then they should have sent it to me. If not, then they shouldn't. There shouldn't be any politics over it," Kejriwal had told reporters.
(With Agency inputs)
