V.Balakrishnan, ex-Infosys board member joins AAP

In a surprise move, former Infosys board member V.Balakrishnan (Bala) close on the heels of his exit from Infosys has come into the spotlight again. This time around, he has made ripples by joining Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Admi Party (AAP). In a TV interview to a business channel he said, "I just paid Rs 10 to become a member of AAP and stated AAP as India's best start-up."

It may be recalled Balakrishnan resigned as Infosys board member last month and post his exit he indicated that he will be focusing on fostering entrepreneurship and in concert with Mohandas Pai, Girish Paranjpe has launched a VC fund called ‘Exfinity'.

Playing to the Gallery?

The interesting question now is since people like Balakrishnan see AAP as a kind of start up, their role has to be up and above the normal member of AAP. Balakrishnan's membership must help AAP to take roots in Karnataka and other Southern states and must help catalyze the vote bank to its favor. But that such an outcome is just an ideal right now as it is still unclear what role Balakrishnan will play in AAP or his political ambitions.

Reflecting on this, seasoned political watchers point out that unless Balakrishnan plays a defined and aggressive role in spreading the wings of AAP in South India, his member ship will be just symbolic with no real impact at ground zero.

Nevertheless corporate head honchos jumping into politics signal a new trend in India. For instance Nandan Nilekani has already aligned with Congress. And others in Infosys like N R Narayanamurthy has talked high about AAP. With Balakrishnan officially joining AAP, it is to be seen, will it jumpstart AAP's presence in South India.

Have your say. What do you think of this latest move by V.Balakrishnan?