Delhi elections may have decimated the BJP, but it is Kiran Bedi who stands out as the biggest loser. From blaming Jama Masjid Shahi imam's “fatwa” to asking the BJP to reassess itself to find out the cause of drubbing, Bedi has said and done it all. She seems to be in the denial and therefore not prepared to introspect.
With her multiple media blunders and ambiguous statements, she has proved to be a novice in the political arena, belying her stunning career as an ex-IPS officer.
Once considered a symbol of woman’s power and an inspiration for female aspirants trying to carve out a niche in the man’s world, Bedi undid all her achievements.
Her stellar image of an iron woman as India’s first female IPS officer began losing its sheen once she entered the political fold.
Be it calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi the "world's most beautiful face” or singing praises for the radical Hindu group RSS, Bedi used every less-than-dignified means to gel with the Saffron party. Delhi had no other choice but to reject her antics.
In a country where it is not common to see female police officers, Bedi joined the Indian Police Service in the 1970s and quickly rose through the ranks, letting women in India dream that they too can achieve success if they work hard.
Although ever controversial, Bedi became a household name thanks to the aura of a hard working, honest officer around her.
With her assertive style, Bedi had many detractors among politicians and various governments. In the 1980s, Bedi ordered baton charge on a BJP assembly in Red Fort area, and arrested its leaders.
As the inspector general of India’s most prominent Tihar Jail, Bedi introduced several reforms including the setting up of distance education centers for prisoners. It is said under Bedi, there was a drop in the fights and disturbances in the jail.
One almost feels sorry for Bedi. A much-celebrated career built on anecdotes of bravery and world acclaimed recognitions and awards ruined by her association with a party that is the epitome of communalism and arrogance.
Her integrity came under question when she chose to join a party that is known to be involved in cold-blooded murders done in fake encounters and then promoting officers found involved.
She lost the “hard working” tag when she agreed to become the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate immediately after joining the party — 20 days before the vote — when the party overlooked its senior politicians already eying that position.
She dented her image of a secularist committed to serving the country when she joined a party that brazenly divides the country on religious lines.
Not only that, politics also brought to the fore Bedi’s failed marital life. Bedi, who was a fine example of an Indian woman successful on both fronts — profession and home — was embarrassed by her estranged husband’s comment in media about Bedi’s failure on the domestic front.
It is a pity then that Bedi’s foray into politics is a combined loss for all women who at one point must have aspired to be like her.
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