He is the young 40-year old politician from Bangalore, who made it big by becoming a Union cabinet minister in only his second Lok Sabha stint. Much was expected of him, particularly, in his home state of Karnataka, when he bagged a cabinet berth and the portfolio of civil aviation. He was considered by the state BJP to be a rising star. Many even went to the extent of projecting him as a future chief minister.

Kumar took over at the civil aviation ministry around the time, when the international airport project at Devanahalli was grounded following tiffs between the Tatas and the previous minister CM Ibrahim. Expectations were that the new minister would clear all the hurdles and the project would get underway soon.

Ananth Kumar's tenure was, however, far from spectacular as it saw the exit of the Tatas from the airport project. Though fresh tenders were called for the project early this year, many feel that the minister's brashness was the main reason for Tatas toleave in a huff. The recent seat-sharing crisis also saw him making statements, which were contrary to what was happening.

Admitting that he is still a learner, Kumar refutes charges that his bungling led to the exit of Tatas from the project. The international airport project is very much on his agenda, says he, and adds that work on it would commence within a year. Also on cards for Bangalore is a 1,000-mw power plant exclusively for the airport and a circular railway system.

Hailing from a family with political background, his mother Girija N Sastry was the former deputy mayor of Hubli-Dharwad Muncipal Corporation, Ananth Kumar was actively involved with the student wing of BJP, ABVP, from student days and subsequently became its national secretary in 1985. During this time, he was able to establish a good rapport with many senior leaders including Union home minister LK Advani. A lawyer by qualification, his favourite pastime is reading, writing poetry and travelling. His fascination for IT iswell-known and is one of the few ministers, who can boast of a web-site of their own.

Whatever may be the crticism against him, he is one of those BJP candidates in the state, who is sure to win the race at the hustings. The fact that the Opposition had fielded relatively inexperienced candidates against him makes his chances better. Ananth Kumar knows the importance of nurturing his constituency - Bangalore South - and this is one area, where even his opponents admit that he is good. Taking up local issues has also stood him in good stead. What, however, stands out is his simplicity and omnipresent smile. Be it be the humble flower-seller in Rajajinagar or the provision shop owner in Basavanagudi, Kumar is accessible to all and poised to make it a hat-trick of victories.

Man Ranjit U