Nilekani concedes defeat as counting progresses

Infosys co-founder and Congress candidate from Bangalore South Nandan Nilekani has conceded defeat to his formidable rival BJP's Ananth Kumar even as the counting of votes progressed.

"I had been to counting centre few minutes ago. I concede defeat and congratulate Ananth Kumar for his performance in this poll," Nilekani, the face of UPA's flagship Aadhar programme, told PTI.

To a question, he said he would remain in politics, adding, "I will continue to work more for the city and the Congress party."

Asked what went wrong for him, Nilekani said "I'm happy with the campaign we have run. I'm happy with the way my supporters and Congress leaders worked along with me in this campaign. We have done our best and I remain happy with my decision to stand for election."

In response to a question on Modi wave, he said "It is for people to decide."

Nilekani, a greenhorn in politics, was locked in a tough fight with Kumar, a five-time MP from the middle-class dominated Bangalore South, which barring once in 1989, has never been receptive to the Congress since the late 1970s.