Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (DC)
Bengaluru, Apr 10: In a massive setback for the BJP, former Union minister and chief minister of Karnataka, S M Krishna, who joined the BJP last year, is likely to return to Congress, according to sources.
According to sources, KPCC President Dr G Parameshwar and minister D K Shiva Kumar have already held first round of talks with the veteran leader. The matter has been also brought to the notice of state in-charge K C Venugopal and Congress president Rahul Gandhi. The Congress High Command too has given green signal to welcome Krishna back to its fold.
The senior leader is reportedly upset with the BJP for denying any position in the party and is likely to change the loyalties. Krishna was expecting a ticket for his daughter from RR Nagar or Maddur constituency. Following his meeting with the Congress, he has asked his supporters to take an independent decision during polling.
It is learnt that the supporters of Krishna also met chief minister Siddaramaiah.
If Krishna rejoins the Congress it would be a morale booster for the ruling Congress and a huge setback for the BJP ahead of assembly polls.
The seasoned politician was expecting a significant post by the BJP making use of his vast experience. Krishna was last seen with the BJP leaders during 'Parivarthana Yatre'. He was not seen in any of BJP rallies after that.
Though the 85-year-old politician has often said that he was not unhappy with the BJP, but he has not answered why he kept himself away from attending the party events, unlike many BJP bigwigs at the national level, especially when the assembly elections are due in a month.
However, Krishna who is in Mumbai clarified that he would not quit the BJP. "These are rumours and there is no question of joining the Congress," he said. Though he has not campaigned for the BJP ahead of assembly polls, he is expected to join the BJP leaders in the final phase of campaigning.
The BJP meanwhile slammed reports about Krishna quitting the party and alleged that the rumour had been deliberately planted in the media by the Congress.
Karnataka assembly polls will be held on May 12 and the results will be out on May 15.