Saubhadra Chatterji, Hindustan Times New Delhi, February 12, 2014
First Published: 08:41 IST(12/2/2014) | Last Updated: 14:38 IST(12/2/2014)
Nandan Nilekani’s foray into politics will not be confined to a Lok Sabha contest from Bangalore South constituency. In a clear sign of his expanding role in Rahul Gandhi’s Congress, the UIDAI chief will chair a consultation meeting on the party’s 2014 manifesto on Wednesday.
Infosys co-founder and head of Aadhar programme Nandan Nilekani addresses a student gathering in Bangalore. (AFP photo)
The Infosys co-founder had earlier participated in some internal party meetings of the Congress on issues like direct benefits transfer and Aadhaar. But this is perhaps the first time when Nilekani, who is yet to become an official member of the Congress — will lead the party in a public interaction.
Nilekani will interact with stakeholders on two issues -- energy and transportation -- at Jawahar Bhawan. These meetings are usually held by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi but he has outsourced some meetings to select senior leaders.
Union ministers Anand Sharma, P Chidambaram and Salman Khurshid have held consultations on manifesto regarding industries, economy, infrastructure and foreign policy in the last few weeks.
Rahul had earlier held consultations with Dalits, minorities and other groups after the party decided, for the first time, to involve the people in its manifesto-making process.