Karnataka: S M Krishna not to contest elections

S M Krishna's role in Congress party for the upcoming Karnataka elections has been unclear, with many expecting him to enter the fray and contest the polls. However, the man himself has made it clear that he will not be contesting the elections.

Krishna told reporters in Mysore that he will not be contesting the elections and his role would be only that of a coordinator. He said that the confusion regarding him contesting the election should be put to rest immediately.

Senior Congress leaders feel that Krishna has taken the right decision as there could be factionalism within the party if he contested the polls. If Krishna contests, it would be a clear indication that he was aspiring for the post of chief minister, they said.

It appears that the party high command has advised Krishna to lay low till the polls are over. The high command feels that portraying Krishna as a potential candidate or even allowing him to contest the elections may bring about a split in the party. Krishna, at present, is accepted widely by the Vokkaliga lobby in the party and making him a candidate would split the Dalits and the Lingayats within the party.

However, the Congress also adds that there is every chance of him entering into the main fray after the elections. If all falls into place, he could either fight a by-poll or even get elected through the Legislative Council.