Delhi polls: BJP backtracking on statehood promise, says AAP

NEW DELHI: Launching a fresh attack on the BJP, the Aam Aadmi Party today said former IPS officer Kiran Bedi was inducted in the party to save Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarassment in an event of a defeat.

The party also demanded clarification from the saffron party over its stand on granting statehood to Delhi after Bedi's controversial remarks ruling it out as a central issue.

"Kiran Bedi will act as a cushion between Modi and Kejriwal because the BJP was projecting the two leaders to be in a direct fight in the upcoming elections. The BJP wants to shield Modi and save him from embarassment in an event of the party's defeat," AAP leader Yogendra Yadav told a news conference.

AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Ashutosh, who were also present at the news conference, accused the BJP of making a 'U-turn' on the statehood issue.

"The BJP in its mainfestos of assembly as well as Lok Sabha election had promised reduction of electricity tariff by 30 per cent and granting statehood to Delhi," Ashtuosh said.

Bedi, a former team Anna member, had yesterday said full statehood for Delhi was not the "central" issue even as she stressed on the need for ensuring women's security and cleanliness in Delhi.

"I don't think this (full statehood) is a central issue right now and let's not divert the issue. Women security is an important issue and second issue is cleanliness of the city," Bedi said. The comments sparked a debate inviting criticism from AAP and the Congress.

The party also asked Bedi to come clean on issues such as bringing political parties under the ambit of the RTI, which she was in favour of previously.

The 65-year-old former IPS officer joined the BJP on Friday, praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.