People acknowledge me with a thumbs up gesture in support.
Nandan Nilekani interacts with employees of a factory in Bommanahalli during his campaign -DC
Bengaluru: A day after BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi criticised the Aadhaar project, Bangalore South Congress candidate and Aadhaar architect Nandan Nilekani dismissed the criticism, saying his opponent H.N. Ananth Kumar and Mr. Modi were targeting his signature project because they were worried that he was gaining the upper hand in the battle for Bangalore South.
A passport is issued after checks and verification. Shouldn’t Aadhaar have a similarly rigorous process?
The issue of Aadhaar number is robust and it is issued after taking the address proof. Fingerprints and iris is also recorded, along with a person’s permanent address. The Aadhaar has a different process of registration than that for a passport.
It is said Rs 3,000 crore has gone down the drain.
Every pie is utilised properly and not wasted. How can you say it’s a waste when over 60 crore people have been issued the Aadhaar number, which helps them access government benefits. Ananth Kumar and his boss Narendra Modi are worried about my victory in Bangalore South and are crying foul.
How do you justify issuing Aadhaar to people from Bangladesh and other nationalities?
Aadhaar is just an identification number issued by the government to any individual. It does not confirm citizenship, and it is no threat at all.
Now that you have resigned from UIDAI, what is the future of the project?
I have resigned from Aadhaar project. I have worked hard for four years and succeeded in issuing Aadhaar number to over 60 crore people in the country.
Has it helped you connect with people? What are the chances of your victory in Bangalore South?
I have become associated with every common man, thanks to Aadhaar. I have been getting overwhelming response from the public.
As far as my chances of winning are concerned, what the voters need is someone who delivers development for the city and improvement of infrastructure, rather than a non-performing MP. During my roadshows, people acknowledge me with a thumbs up gesture in support.
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