An inkling of Ambani’s plans may have come in March when he addressed graduates at a convocation ceremony of the Indian Insitute of Management, Bangalore. ‘‘How many of you who will shortly leave are thinking of a political career?’’ he had asked students, adding that they could make a difference.

Today, he announced that he would do his bit: ‘‘With the blessings of Lord Shiva, blessings of my late father Dhirubhai Ambani, blessings and support of my dear mother Kokilaben, and support of all members of the Ambani family, well wishers and friends, it is my privilege and honour to have filed my nomination papers as an independent candidate for the Rajya Sabha from the state of Uttar Pradesh.’’

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He will be supported in his endeavour by the Samajwadi Party.

In a BBC interview earlier this year, Ambani was asked if he would consider joining politics. This is what he said: ‘‘If I can change and make even a small difference, I think it’s worth my while and worth my time.’’

In Lucknow, Samajwadi Party general secretary Singh said his party would support Ambani’s candidature. ‘‘He has contributed a great deal to the economic and industrial development of the state and the SP-RLD coalition will back him fully.’’

Interestingly, Reliance Energy, of which Ambani is the chairman, signed an agreement today with the UP government to set up the world’s largest gas-based power project.

The project, first announced six months ago, requires an investment of Rs 11,000 crore and will have a 3740 MW generation capacity. Forty per cent of this will go to UP.

Ambani’s candidature follows a line of industrialists who have entered politics, like Vijay Mallya and R P Goekna.

‘‘His knowledge and abilities will be a great asset to the country,’’ says industrialist Adi Godrej.

‘‘I’m very happy that Anil Ambani will be elected to the Rajya Sabha on July 28,’’ says a confident Rahul Bajaj.

‘‘What is noteworthy is that an outstanding industrialist from the largest industrial house in the country has decided to join public service. This is what our Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha need to objectively explain the views of Indian Industry to our Parliament members and to the people, who sometimes carry a negative image of industry.’’

Image-building is not new to the media-savvy Ambani. Unlike his reserved elder brother Mukesh, Anil has been the public face of Reliance Industries.

Besides being hands-on in various Reliance companies—in oil and gas exploration and production, petroleum refining—Ambani has nutured his passion for the power sector.

But it’s not all work for this MBA graduate from Wharton School. Besides spending time with wife Tina and two children Jai Anmol and Jai Anshul, Ambani finds time for another passion—long-distance running. He runs at least 100 km a week. And now add this run to the Upper House.