The Congress is reportedly mulling over fielding Nandan Nilekani, the chairperson of the Unique Identification Authority of India, as its candidate from the Bangalore South Lok Sabha constituency in next year’s elections.
The party is desperately looking for a candidate from the constituency represented by BJP general secretary Ananth Kumar and has reportedly sought Nilekani’s consent. However, it is not confirmed whether he has agreed to take the plunge into electoral politics.
When Deccan Herald tried to contact him, he did not respond. The Congress also did not comment on the issue. Sources close to him said it is not known whether Nilekani will start his electoral career by contesting from a party whose image is taking a beating due to series of scandals. Congress leaders are expecting that by fielding Nilekani, the party can garner the votes of the IT crowd and the educated class.
Ananth Kumar has been representing the constituency for the fifth consecutive term since 1996.
Published 17 September 2013, 18:22 IST