New Delhi : Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi was on Thursday inducted into the BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah at the party headquarters.

Speaking on the occasion, Kiran Bedi said she had decided to join BJP due to the inspirational leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Modi's leadership inspired me to take the plunge in politics," Kiran Bedi said.

"I have never worked for position or money. I've always looked at what I can contribute towards the country," Kiran Bedi said.

Reacting to the news, AAP chief Arvind Kejrial said he was happy she had joined politics.

"I have been fond of Kiran Bedi ji. I always tried to convince her that she should join politics. I am happy she did it today," he tweeted.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh also tweeted, "U Turn Ms Kiran Bedi? Or genuine change of heart? My best wishes to you. May God be with you."

However, another Congress leader Ajay Maken was not so forthcoming. "It is shocking and sad at the same time," he said.

Kiran Bedi, who came to the BJP office along with Amit Shah, will contest the upcoming Delhi assembly elections.

BJP chief Amit Shah, however, refused to commit if Kiran Bedi would be made the party's chief ministerial candidate.

"Kiran Bedi will provide great strength to the Delhi BJP ," president Amit Shah said, adding, "her positive contributions will help the party in a big way." The entire BJP Delhi is happy about Kiran Bedi joining the party, Amit Shah said.

Soon after joining the BJP, Kiran Bedi said, "With our team work we will work towards a steady, stable and corruption-free government."

"BJP has given me an opportunity to return back everything I got, to the nation, I'm in mission mode now," she said, adding, "Delhi needs a strong clear-headed, stable government".

"I want to turn Delhi into the world's best capital," she added.

Delhi goes to polls on February 7.

The counting of votes will take place on February 10.

TOI/LY