I am a problem solver: Nilekani

 Nandan Nilekani, Congress candidate from Bangalore South Lok Sabha constituency, said on Friday that he was a “problem solver” and would utilise his over three-decade experience in the corporate world and public administration to transform the City and provide opportunities to the youth.

“The country today needs problem solvers. In my 29 years in Infosys, I have helped the company create thousands of jobs for the youth as the chairman of the Bangalore Agenda Task Force. I have understood the nitty-gritty of urban governance, and heading the Unique Identity Authority of India helped me connect with the people,” Nilekani said in an interaction with reporters in Bangalore.

He said the experience he had gained in his career would help him understand the issues of the common man and serve them better. The biggest challenge in the country is to create jobs, he said and added that he was best suited to do that.
Nilekani said the people of Bangalore South wanted a change, as they were fed up with the inactiveness of the five-term sitting MP in the constituency. “The people of the constituency are thirsting for a change. They complain about the absenteeism of the sitting MP and that he is available only during elections. Bangalore South deserves a better committed and capable person. I can bring that change,” Nilekani said.

He said his clean image will help him win the election. Nilekani is pitted against H N Ananth Kumar of the BJP.

Asked whether he was equipped to plunge into a political system ridden with caste factor and money, Nilekani said he would usher in a new style of politics.

He said he would focus on door-to-door campaigning, visit parks, apartments and eateries and meet people over the next five weeks. A group of volunteers under the banner “Together with Nandan” has come together to help him in the campaign. A crowd-sourcing initiative, “Ideas for Bangalore,” had been launched for a better Bangalore, he pointed out. Social media will be continued to be used extensively to reach out to the people, he said.

Responding to queries, Nilekani said he will fight the election with his own wealth and will not depend on anyone. “I do not want to be obliged to anybody,” he said.

On reservation in the private sector, he said companies were doing their bit to create jobs for different categories. However, the real issue was to strengthen the economy and increase the supply of jobs. He said Aadhaar was the world’s largest anti-corruption platform and would continue even after a new government was formed at the Centre.

Asked what he would do in case he loses in the election, Nilekani said he was committed to politics and would continue to be in the arena in the coming years. “I have no other work. I have left the Infosys, I quit UIDAI yesterday. I will now work full time for the people,” he said.