Karnataka, UP, Bihar key to BJP victory in polls: Ananth Kumar

Apart from Kumar and Nilekani, more than 20 other candidates are in the fray from this constituency in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

These include Aam Aadmi Party's Nina Nayak, Ruth Manorama from Janta Dal (Secular) and 12 independents, among others.

On whether he would ensure a big role for Karnataka in ensuring BJP's victory in Lok Sabha elections, Kumar said, “In 1991, we had only four MPs, then we increased it to six, then to 16 MPs, in 2004 we got 18 MPs and in 2009 we got 19 MPs and with the current wave we would certainly get 20-plus MPs from Karnataka this time.”

Asked whether BJP could consider any change in its Prime Ministerial candidate if it does not get the required number on its own and if new allies do not agree to Modi's name, Kumar said, “Mood of the country is today such that the people are going to give a clear mandate and an absolute majority to BJP.

“NDA will win these elections under Modi's leadership.