What do Kiran Bedi and Shazia Ilmi bring to Bharatiya Janata Party? To take on Arvind Kejriwal the party needs non-politicians like Kejriwal himself. The chief minister of 49-day government still retains bit of credibility that he did not forfeit at the altar of power. The BJP looks to Bedi and Ilmi as counter-credibility factors.

The middle class that Kejriwal feeds on is currently hanging by ideals of integrity and credibility even though majority of them do not practice themselves.

Given the short period of election time and its failure to project any leader for Delhi’s chief ministership, the BJP had to manufacture something different.

And that differentiator is counter-credibility, personified by Kiran Bedi and Shazia Ilmi. They both have worked with Kejriwal and know his line of politics.

Kiran Bedi is tipped to be the party's CM candidate for Delhi polls; however, a formal announcement is yet to be made. Shahzia may not contest polls in Delhi. Both were in Team Anna, which saw a shift in the civil society’s participation in a issue-based agitation.

Speaking to media, Shazia Ilmi said, "I am thankful to everyone for this opportunity. This is an opportunity to work, to serve the people."
"There is new political discourse in the country and we all must be a part of it. We must move towards positive politics, change the lawlessness approach and move towards development," she said.  “We should create a new civil identity, that of being an Indian, and not a Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Sikh etc,” the former TV anchor said.

Stating that she don't want to contest elections and just want to serve the people, she added, "We don't want people in Delhi to face chaotic confrontation, we want that people of Delhi be given disciplined good-governance."

Welcoming Shazia Ilmi, Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay said, "Her presence will further strengthen the party."

Whether she will add to the strength of the party or not, Shazia will surely be a weapon in BJP’s war room.

And for the records, #kiranBedi is trending at the top of twitter list in India even on Friday. She joined the BJP on Thursday. Curiously, many are misusing the hashtag to promote their products and themselves!