Delhi polls 2015: Satish Upadhyay plays down Kiran Bedi remark on Barack Obama

NEW DELHI: Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay said on Tuesday that US President Barack Obama's visit should not be linked to the upcoming elections. His reactions came following BJP chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi's remark, which sparked off a controversy.

Meanwhile, AAP attacked BJP for politicizing Obama's visit and questioned its timing.

While addressing a rally in Krishna Nagar, Bedi had earlier praised the central government for diplomatic effort for bolstering India's image. She said, "We want a Delhi where we can live to the highest point along with the entire nation. Today President Obama's visit has made India fly, isn't it? India now looks like the number one country in the world...If Delhi doesn't join in this flight (of success), then it will remain cut off from the rest of the country."

This led to sharp criticism from AAP members who questioned the timing of the visit. "After hearing Bedi's speech, it does raise suspicion about the timing of this visit. Does it have anything to do with the Delhi election? First, BJP politicized the Republic Day parade and now Obama's visit. AAP is fighting this election over issues whereas BJP seems to be expecting people to vote on the 'Obama factor'. That is not going to happen," said Ashish Khaitan, AAP member.

But most BJP members distanced themselves from Bedi's statement. When asked to react to her comment, Upadhyay said that he had not heard what she said. But he said that Obama's visit should not be linked to Delhi elections. "The visit is on national importance. It has made all Indian proud. This has bolstered our country's image in the international community. It is a mere coincidence that the visit happened when Delhi is gearing up for assembly elections,'' said Upadhyay.

Hitting out at BJP, AAP members said that Bedi's comment reflects party's "restlessness and helplessness".