Elections 2014: Meenakshi Lekhi says women security in capital her priority

NEW DELHI: Lawyer-turned-politician Meenakshi Lekhi, who emerged victorious in the high profile New Delhi parliamentary constituency with over 1.5 lakh votes, termed women security in the national capital as her top priority. The BJP leader secured 4,53,350 votes, followed by AAP's Ashish Khaitan finishing second with 2,90,642 votes and Congress' Ajay Maken managing a mere 1,82,893 to end up third.

Lekhi, who was doing the rounds of counting centres in Gole Market area clad in a yellow saree teamed with a saffron blouse, interacted with media persons, supporters and party workers at there.

"We were expecting a win as we have worked very hard. I have a team working with me, even those people who are not associated with the BJP, but they are working for the party. "The kind of response got from people certainly indicated that they want to see a change now in the positive direction," Lekhi told PTI.

She thanked her party workers for all the support. When asked about her role in the government, Lekhi said, "I have never thought about it. Party will decide on my roll in the government." When asked about her vision for Delhi as a Member of Parliament, Lekhi said, "I have already listed a five-point agenda for my constituency and women safety is a very important issue. We have already started a smartphone application for women's safety. Other steps will also be taken to ensure that."

A more sombre Ajay Maken hopped from one counting booth to the other to meet his supporters and witness the counting process. At one booth he also met his rival Lekhi, where they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Even before counting of votes got over, the BJP supporters and workers started celebrating the victory of their leaders. Workers danced and beat drums to express their happiness outside the counting booths.

A delegation of election commission officials from Mauritius accompanied by officials of UNDP visited the counting centre to witness the election management, counting process and the technology used.