Krishna plans to tour state ahead of election

"I want to tour various parts to know the pulse of people. The visit would also help me assess the prevailing political situation", Krishna during an informal chat with the press persons here.

Two months after quitting the Union Ministry to return to the state at the behest of the Congress High Command, Krishna said a decision on the team that would lead the party in the April-May assembly election was likely to be announced during the AICC session to be held in Jaipur from January 20.

Krishna quit as External Affairs Minister on October 26 last year.

"I have been asked to work to bring back Congress to power", Krishna replied diplomatically when asked whether he would be leading the party in the coming election.

The 80-year-old leader, who led the Congress to an impressive victory in 1999 assembly polls, however could not ensure its return to ruling side in 2004 polls, which threw up a fractured verdict.

Congress High Command seemed to betting on Krishna's charisma and also to check the influence of JDS in old Mysore area where Vokkaligas, to which he belong to, are in sizeable population.

Ever since he returned to the city from Delhi, Krishna has been meeting Congress leaders and workers to get their feed back on various issues.

Krishna sought to side step queries on the power struggle going on in Congress with Lingayat leader Shamanur Shivashankarappa demanding KPCC chief post to one of his community leaders saying "the party high command will take note of these things".

According followers of Krishna, they expect Congress to reward their leader with a key position ahead of the election. He enjoys considerable equation with KPCC President G Parameshwara and Opposition leader Siddaramaiah.