Election results 2014: I concede defeat to Ananth, Nandan Nilekani says - Times of India

"I am disappointed. I concede defeat to Ananth Kumar." That's how IT czar and former UIDAI chairman Nandan Nilekani reacted at the counting centre in SSMRV College, Jayanagar, South Bangalore, when it was evident that he was trailing rather badly. Nandan left the place just 30 minutes after counting started, saying he was going for breakfast.

Around 12.15pm, Nandan made an appearance again with his wife Rohini. He said he'd come back to congratulate his opponent BJP candidate who was showing a clear majority in 12 rounds of the total 23 rounds of counting. But he couldn't enter the centre as he was surrounded by TV journalists. It was then that he admitted he was disappointed he couldn't win the election.

Nandan said, "I came here to congratulate Ananth Kumar. This is my first election. I've learnt a lot in this election. I'm grateful to lakhs of people who supported me and the party workers who worked for me."

However, Nandan couldn't meet Ananth to congratulate him, and left after speaking to mediapersons. Terming politics a long game, he said winning or losing in elections is common. The millionaire debutant contestant said: "I will not quit politics. I will continue working for Congress. I will not only work for the issues related to my constituency, but will continue working for Bangalore."

Asked what led to the debacle, he said his supporters and party workers did a robust campaign, adding, "It's too early to analyze why I lost the election." Refusing to react on Congress's poor performance in the state and country, he said, "I'm focused my constituency." When asked if they'd prefer a vacation after the results, Rohini said, "It's too early to say."

"Thousands of you reached out to us with your 'Ideas for Bengaluru'," Nandan said. He blogged, "Rohini and I knocked on hundreds of doors. We met thousands of Bengalurians at your homes, shops, colleges and schools, and places of business. My agenda in the coming years include the priorities that you shared with me."