Nilekani may face Kumble in LS polls

Sep 18, 2013 |

Age Correspondent

Two of Karnataka’s most famous sons — one a former IT czar who holds the key to the Congress’ re-election through an innovative direct benefit transfer scheme, the other a former India cricket captain — could be facing off against each other in the parliamentary polls in 2014 for the city’s prestigious Bangalore South seat.

Political circles within the Congress are hinting that Nandan Nilekani, one of the founding members of IT bellwether Infosys and now head of the Unique Identification Authority of India, Aadhaar, could well be fielded as the Congress’ candidate from the seat. Ananth Kumar, the five-time sitting MP, insiders said, is expected to be shunted to second-tier city and his hometown Hubli.
The RSS is pushing for popular cricketer Anil Kumble in a bid to ensure that at least 18-20 seats of the 28 from Karnataka are mopped up by the BJP.
Both Mr Nilekani and Mr Kumble, who is currently in Jaipur, as part of his role as chief mentor, Mumbai Indians, did not respond to calls or email queries requesting confirmation they would be contesting the polls.

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