One can love or hate Kiran Bedi, but just cannot ignore her.

In her new role as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, the former IPS officer after a brush with politics has rolled up her sleeve to put things in order in the union territory – but just enough to draw flak from the anti-Bedi quarters accusing her of overstepping her authority.

In an interview to The Covai Post, Bedi said it’s just the beginning, and a lot is waiting to be done.
“All I know is whatever duties I have done so far are within the purview of my responsibility. I need to do more. I have only done nine weeks.”

Calling critics a part of society, she said she takes them in her stride, and she was never at a disadvantage as a woman as she “never allowed for such a situation to occur”.

The 66-year-old, within two months of taking charge as lieutenant governor, has been dealing directly with officials through Whatsapp groups, reviewing projects, and addressing welfare issues through Twitter.

In a string of actions, Bedi silenced the sirens in VIP cars, furnished a complaint line to report corruption, eve teasing and domestic violence and more, she is bustling about resolving encroachment and civic issues, besides cracking the whip on officials to resolve people’s problems.

“I am exceedingly conscientious by nature. I take my duties with utmost sense of responsibility, and higher the position greater my sense of commitment. Such positions mean every bit of me, every moment of me. I give it all I have,” she said.

Bedi said she will clear steer of politics and the election she lost was perhaps because “god had other designs”.

She said it’s up to the people to choose who will lead them. “Better education and social service background are assets. But the real test is intention and purpose for which one has got into politics.”

Bedi will be executing her ambitious initiatives in an environ that has retained symbols of French colonialism like the police cap, French street names for streets, and statues of war generals.

But the new lieutenant governor sees nothing wrong with them.

“It’s heritage, and I see Puducherrians are happy with it.”

As a mother she has no regrets, only gratitude.

“Bringing up my daughter in such a busy schedule, I had total support of my family.”

The former top cop has donned several roles and got cracking wherever she was deputed, and in her new avatar she may ruffle some feathers and raise a few eyebrows, but sure will not stop.