Women power growing in BJP: After Bedi, now former AAP leader Shazia Ilmi joins party

New Delhi, Jan 16: A day after former IAS officer Kiran Bedi joined BJP, former AAP leader Shazia Ilmi today joined BJP in presence of Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay.

Shazia met BJP President Amit Shah on Friday at his residence in New Delhi. During her meeting with Shah, Shazia was accompanied by BJP General Secretary (organisation) Ram Lal and Satish Upadhayay, among others.

"I had a very good meeting with Amit bhai and he welcomed me in the party," she said after the meeting.

Her meeting comes a day after former IPS officer and Team Anna member Kiran Bedi joined BJP ahead of Delhi Assembly polls.

"After being defeated in last Assembly elections and subsequently in general elections, I don't want to fight this election. However, I will follow the party's instructions, but I want my party to respect my wish," said Ilmi, a long-time associate of AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal.

Hailing a new "political discourse" in the country, she said that it was time to go beyond the politics of identity.

"There is indeed a new political discourse in the country, earlier politics was all about identity. It is time to create a new civil identity.

"New blueprint of BJP stands for change and development. I was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that's why I am joining BJP," she said.

Meanwhile, on the issue of alleged conversions carried out recently by some groups, Ilmi said she does not support "forced" conversions and that BJP has nothing to do with the matter.

Shazia has contested on the AAP ticket in last Delhi Assembly polls and Parliamentary polls but lost both. She later quit AAP.

Elections to Delhi Assembly are slated for February 7 and results will be out on February 10.

Welcoming Bedi who joined BJP yesterday, Shazia said with her the party will benefit as she is popular among the public who have appreciated her work.

OneIndia News