Shanti Bhushan praises Kiran Bedi, says all not well within AAP

Delivering a blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), its senior leader Shanti Bhushan on Thursday came out in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party's chief ministerial candidate for Delhi, Kiran Bedi.

Bhushan hailed Bedi for her contribution in the 'India Against Corruption' movement, and said she would provide a very clean and efficient administration in Delhi.

"It is a master stroke by the BJP to bring Kiran Bediji and declare her party's CM candidate. Kiranji made a huge contribution to 'India Against Corruption', She would provide a very clean and efficient administration," Bhushan told ANI.

He added that all was not well within the AAP and even stated that the party should be happy if the former IPS officer becomes the Chief Minister of Delhi.

"AAP was born out of a crusade against corruption, so they should be happy if a member (Kiran Bedi) of the same crusade becomes chief minister. I think everything is not right in AAP, the party is not being run on lines it was expected to run or what it was established for," said Bhushan.

The senior leader also called for a reorientation within AAP stating they must stress on "reforming political system and improving political standards".

While Kiran Bedi thanked Bhushan for his support, the AAP was quick to defend itself.

"Ours is a democratic party, he has every right to express his opinion. But party does not subscribe to his opinion, Kiranji has shown political opportunism and somersault on her part," said party spokesperson Ashutosh.

The elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly will be held in a single phase on February 7, with the counting of votes set to take place on February 10.