Bangalore, March 9 (IANS) Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani formally joined the Congress party here Sunday as a primary member to contest from the Bangalore South parliamentary constituency in the Lok Sabha election.
Congress state unit president G. Parameshwar admitted the 58-year-old Nilekani, who is also the chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), into the party in the presence of hundreds of cadres and leaders, amidst bursting of crackers and beating of drums at the party office in the city centre.
Dressed in casuals and sporting the famous Mysore turban, a beaming Nilekani thanked Parameshwar for admitting him into the party and permitting him to contest in the Lok Sabha election from his home constituency.
Nilekani will face BJP's candidate and five-time winner H.N. Ananth Kumar, who has been representing the constituency since 1996.
"I deem it as a privilege and honour to serve the people through the Congress. I am also humbled by the party's decision to field me from the Bangalore South constituency in the upcoming general elections," Nilekani told the media.
Nilekani's wife Rohini or his family members were conspicuously absent on the occasion.
Incidentally, Nilekani's name figured Saturday in the first list of candidates to contest the polls even before he became a party member.
Nilekani's entry into the party, however, was marked by chaos and unruly scenes as scores of party workers and supporters of local leaders gate-crashed into the party office hall and mobbed him on the dais.
In the excitement and frenzy that gripped the party leaders and cadres, Parameshwar and party's senior leader B.L. Shankar forgot to inform the media about the registration number of Nilekani's membership though he had signed the admission form in their presence.
The party's office-bearers scrambled to declare later that Nilekani was registered as the 121789th member of the party.
Parameshwar thanked party president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi for nominating Nilekani to contest from Bangalore South, which is home to Infosys, Wipro and hundreds of software firms that put the tech hub on world map.
"As times are changing, we need reputed people like Nilekani to represent the Congress and contribute to the party's fortunes. It is important that people with clean image, well educated and forward looking enter politics to bring about revolutionary changes in the country for the welfare of the people," Parameshwar said welcoming the geek-turned bureaucrat.
Union Minority Affairs Minister K. Rahman Khan and state cabinet ministers B. Ramalinga Reddy and Dinesh Gundu Rao and the Congress lawmakers from the city assembly segments were present on the occasion.
Pakistan: Pakistan is facing many serious problems including an economic crisis, claims Army Chief Munir
Pakistan is grappling with economic and security challenges these days. Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has stressed the need for a national consensus to get the
Haryana: Orders issued to open schools from 10th to 12th from February 1, parents' permission required
In Haryana, an order has been issued by the Education Department to open schools for the students of class 10th to 12th from February 1. To enter the school, students have to bring permission in
Dragon busted, China resorting to fake account for publicity on Twitter
The ruling Communist Party of China has opened a new front as part of a long and ambitious plan to shape global public opinion by its will. Under this, she is resorting to a fake account for promoting
CPEC: The work of China's important project CPEC will not be completed on time? Know what the report says
work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has slowed down and doubts are being raised about its timely completion. A report published in the Singapore Post said that China does not fully
Gaiety marks 'Ugadi' celebrations in Telangana, Andhra
Hyderabad, March 21 (IANS) 'Ugadi', the Telugu New Year, was Saturday celebrated in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with traditional fanfare and enthusiasm.The first 'Ugadi' after bifurcation of
Petrol-Diesel Price: Petrol-Diesel prices do not change even after crude oil is cheap, know what are the prices?
Petrol and diesel prices continue to fall in the global market. Petrol in the country The prices of petrol and diesel in the country remain stable. The prices of petroleum products in the country were
Taliban will create an economic zone in the old military base: will start from Kabul, now preparing to focus on trade and economy
The Taliban, which is ruling Afghanistan, made an important announcement on Monday. According to the Taliban, it will use the military bases left by the US as economic zones. Its purpose is to promote
President's Daughter to contest Delhi Polls
New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee's daughter Sharmishta Mukherjee was among the 15 candidates named by the Congress Thursday for the Delhi assembly polls.Sharmishta Mukherjee, 49,
Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna who will replace DY Chandrachud as Chief Justice today?
Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be sworn in as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Monday at a ceremony presided over by President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The ceremony will begin at 10
India's Got Latent Row: Samay Raina's statement will not be recorded on video call, Ranveer will have to appear on February 24
Comedian Samay Raina's statement is to be recorded on the YouTube show 'India's Got Latent' controversy. He is currently abroad. YouTuber and comedian Raina had requested Maharashtra Cyber Cell
