No clarity yet on SM Krishna’s role

Former union external affairs SM Krishna has decided to tread cautiously amid mounting demand from his loyalists to play a lead role in the Congress party at the forthcoming assembly elections.

Krishna, who arrived in the city on Friday to a tumultuous welcome, refused to spell out his role in the party. At his residence, Krishna told reporters that he would not react to the present political situation and his role in the party. “I am yet to get a clear picture about the future,” he said.

Krishna maintained that in the past three-and-half years he had travelled about 8 lakh kilometres as the external affairs minister and needed rest.

“It might appear to people that everything is fine with me. But I need rest for some time. Once I get the clarity, I would react and will be able to answer the questions,” Krishna said, when asked about his exact role in the party. He underlined that he had got no clear idea as far as his role in the party was concerned.

Krishna maintained that the message was clear from the huge, heart warming reception from thousands of people. “Without any expectations, we should try to understand the problems of the people of state and address it. That will create a special place for the leader in the minds of people,” he maintained, perhaps sending a clear message to KPCC president G Parameshwar and also leaders like Shamanur Shivashankarappa, opposition leader Siddaramaiah and union labour minister Mallikarjun Kharge, who were reportedly trying to replace Parameshwar.

Krishna urged the state leaders to forget about getting positions and work for the party. He further said, “This message of serving people, without expecting gains, should be understood by every politician and leader. People would love leaders who follow this principle and heart warming welcome to me is an example of this,” he maintained.

However, the absence of Siddaramaiah, CM Ibrahim and others from Siddaramaiah’s camp conveyed the message that all is not well with the party. Senior leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa also stayed away from the reception for Krishna.

Though Siddaramaiah clarified that he had to attend a pre-scheduled programme in North Karnataka, Congress party sources stated that he was contacted well in advance. The party had also issued a press release stating that Parameshwar president and opposition leaders SR Patil and Siddaramaiah would hold a meeting at the residence of Krishna, after his arrival. Krishna loyalists DK Shivakumar, RV Devaraj, Umashree and SR Patil were present.

May facilitate party-hopping
According to sources Krishna’s primary role would be facilitating the process of entry of prominent leaders from BJP & JD (S) parties to the Congress fold. BJP leaders V Somanna, N Bache Gowda, Tumkur MLA Suresh Gowda and others are keen to join the Congress. They would do so only if Krishna facilitates their entry.
The Congress party had asked Krishna either to draw leaders who can ensure victory for the party or to neutralise them for the benefit of the party. The Congress high command which wants the party to come to power in the state at any cost has asked Krishna to take up this job.

The litmus test for Krishna would be to ensure unity in the party, when the leaders from other parties are taken into its fold.