Crusaders of different kind, Arvind Kejriwal and Bishan Singh Bedi came together on Wednesday to discuss issues of interest to both, in politics and on the cricket field.
Fight against corruption was the driving force for the former India captain to call upon Mr. Kejriwal, who has caught the attention of the common man with his ways to cleanse society of its ills, signified by his party’s election symbol, the broom.
'It was a courtesy call,' Mr. Bedi told The Hindu. Actually, it was more than that as Mr. Kejriwal accommodated the cricketer’s effort to apprise the activist-politician of the politics in the Delhi and District Cricket Association.
Mr. Bedi, in a novel protest against the corruption-afflicted DDCA, is contesting for president. The elections are scheduled for December 30, the day Mr. Kejriwal assumes office as Chief Minister of Delhi.
'I was very impressed by him. So humble, so modest. His entire family came across as a very understanding unit. I found him very alert to the situation around him and so very composed when dealing with people and their demands. He showed lot of warmth as I spoke to him and I came back pretty much motivated,' Mr. Bedi raved of the most popular Delhiite.
Moved by Mr. Kejriwal’s simple persona, Mr. Bedi confessed to him, 'You are not an aam aadmi (common man); you are a special man.' Mr. Bedi also praised him for his truthful campaign. 'There was no deceit in his approach to the people and that’s what drove me to seek his help in cleaning the mess at the Ferozeshah Kotla,' Mr. Bedi said.
According to Mr. Bedi, the response from Mr. Kejriwal was prompt and encouraging. 'We gave him the whole picture of what’s happening at the DDCA. Corruption cases have been filed against many office-bearers and I was not surprised that Mr. Kejriwal was aware of the issue. He knew what was happening and our fight against the corrupt officials. He promised to join our crusade and told us that ‘we are with you guys in this fight against corruption.’ It was a big boost to our movement,' Mr. Bedi said.
According to Mr. Bedi, meeting Mr. Kejriwal was an 'awesome' experience, something that augured well for the people of Delhi. 'He sounded very determined,' said Mr. Bedi. 'It is now or never for us. As far as our fight against the corruption at the Ferozeshah Kotla, this fight, with the support of Mr. Kejriwal, will be the foundation of our movement. Mr. Kejriwal and we [cricketers] are seeking a corruption-free society and body [DDCA],' Mr. Bedi concluded.