New Delhi: Missing from her own roadshow on Thursday in Krishna Nagar for almost half the distance, Bharatiya Janata Party chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi finally joined the show of strength in the last leg of campaigning for Delhi Assembly elections on February 7.
The roadshow began around 2 PM from Arjun Nagar in an open jeep without Bedi and ended around 800 metres before the destined place due to lack of time. The rally was initially led by her daughter Chandni as the former could not reach on time because she was campaigning in other constituencies as well.
BJP supporters were a bit let down by her absence and even the usual enthusiasm associated with such roadshows was missing initially. But the beats of dhol, dance and patriotic music lifted their spirits and they were seen actively participating in the rally.
Slogans like 'kyun pade ho chakkar mein, koi nahi hai takkar mein', 'mangal bhawan amangal hari, Kiran Bedi sab par bhaari' rent the air.
Nearly 45 minutes after the roadshow, Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, who has represented Krishna Nagar in Delhi Assembly five times, joined the roadshow energising the people by his presence.
When askec why Bedi had not started the roadshow, Vardhan refused to give a clear cut answer. "She will join soon," he said.
His entry was perfectly timed as people were confused about continuing with the roadshow in the absence of top leaders
"No leader has come till now. Kiran Bedi should have also come. The mood of the rally is being spoiled," said Anita Dongra.
Around 4,000 people joined the rally and traveled for four hours crisscrossing Krishna Nagar constituency. Women matched the men and backed Bedi's candidature.
"Appointing Kiran Bedi as chief ministerial candidate is a step towards women empowerment. She is our hope and will bring down corruption and crime against women," said Sarita.
A little over an hour into the roadshow, Kiran Bedi joined the roadshow with East Delhi MP Maheish Girri. Kota MP Om Birla was the only leading people and walking with them from the starting point till the end. The rally traveled through market place, traffic and narrow lanes leading to traffic jams.
Reaching out to street vendors, Kiran Bedi said she would not displace them and will help them. "Mai paap nahi punya karne aayi hun. Main aapko nahi hataungi, yeh sab galat hai (I have come to do good deeds. A misinformation is being spread that will evict you)," she said.
The rally came to an end just before 6 PM which was the cut off time to end election campaign and covered areas like Arjun Nagar, Radheypuri, Krishna Nagar, Lal Quarter, Jheel, Geeta Colony.
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