Delhi Election Campaigning Live: Dera Sacha Sauda Asks Followers to Support BJP

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh of the Dera was at the centre of a controversy over the film 'MSG: Messenger of God'

BJP leader Kiran Bedi during an election rally in New Delhi. [Representational Image]IANS

The road shows on the last day of campaigning for the 7 February Assembly polls in Delhi have begun in right earnest, especially by the BJP, which has fielded senior leaders in all the 70 constituencies to woo voters.

Update

Spiritual organisation Dera Sacha Sauda (DSS) headed by Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has appealed to its followers to support the BJP in the upcoming elections.

"We have 20 lakh followers in Delhi, at least 10 lakh voters spread across the 70 Delhi constituencies. We have spread the message across Delhi to support BJP candidates," NDTV secretary of the political wing of the DSS Aman Insaan as saying.

DSS had attracted criticsm and anger after a controversy erupted over Singh's film, 'MSG: Messenger of God'. Despite disapproval of Censor Board members, the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal gave its nod to the film, resulting in en masse resignation of Censor Board members.

AAP has criticised the Dera's support to BJP.

Dera Sachcha Sauda extends support to BJP. Now we know why the censor board was unceremoniously packed off in the case of MSG movie.
— Yogendra Yadav (@AapYogendra) February 5, 2015

Morning Update

For its chief ministerial candidate Kiran Bedi, the day began on a sentimental note, when she told voters that she would nurture the national capital like a mother.

"I know Delhi from the age of 14 years when I used to come here from Amritsar to play tennis matches. I have always wanted to serve this city. By God's grace my first posting was here. I love Delhi. I am here as a mother," Zee News quoted Bedi as saying.

When asked what if she loses the Delhi election, Bedi said she is here to win, not to lose.

"Destiny has brought me here (to politics), I have no motive... God has given me everything...It was a call from my soul that I should work for Delhi. I am not here to lose, I am here to win," she told reporters.

"One never knows when one's past becomes the present. Many people come to me today saying that I played a role in changing their lives. My good work in the past is seen in how people treat me with love and respect now," she added.

On Wednesday also, Bedi appeared emotional, with tears in her eyes, as she saw people's "love" for her during her rally in Krishna Nagar from where she is contesting.

Responding to a comment by her campaign in-charge Narendra Tandon who had called her a "dictator", Bedi said: "I can't help if someone calls me a dictator. Decisive people are given such names. I have been against those who do wrong and I protect those who do good work."

Tandon had actually resigned from the party over the issue, but withdrew it within hours.

Not many within the BJP have welcomed Bedi and appreciated the party's decision to project her as CM candidate, leading to a lot of friction within the party's cadre and leaders of its Delhi unit.