Krishna's arrival marked by rivals' absence

The Karnataka Congress, which is desperate to restore its waning influence, received a shot in the arm with the formal return of former chief minister S M Krishna to active politics.

Krishna, who served as the Governor of Maharashtra, returned on Monday to prepare the party for mounting a full-scale offensive against its rivals "" BJP and the JD(S) "" in the coming Assembly elections.

However, the development brought to the fore the internecine discontent among a section of the Karnataka State Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) brass and senior Congress leaders, who chose to stay away from the grand reception accorded to Krishna by his loyalists.

They have openly opposed Krishna's return to state politics as it will spoil their leadership prospects.

Though KPCC President Mallikarjuna M Kharge was in the city, he did not attach much importance to Krishna's arrival. Kharge was 'busy' interacting with party workers from Koppal district.

Kharge, a prominent contender for the chief minister's post, has been upset ever since Krishna's return was signalled by the party's national leadership.

He even met Congress president Sonia Gandhi to secure an assurance about his future political prospects. Subsequently, Krishna, who was expected to be projected as the chief minister candidate, was asked to oversee the election management and coordination activities.

Former chief minister Veerappa Moily, former Union minister C K Jaffer Sharief, Congress general secretary B K Hariprasad and senior Congress leader Margaret Alva also did not make it to the venue.

However, unmindful of their absence, Krishna, addressing party workers near the HAL airport, expressed confidence of returning the party to power. "I have the strength to fight all challenges, I need all youngsters to work with me with great enthusiasm," he added.

He exhorted party workers to highlight the Union government's National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the recent loan waiver programme.

On the campaign strategy to be adopted, Krishna chose to play the cards close to his chest stating: "It is a long journey, We are starting now. There is lot in store."

On opposition from within the party to his return, he preferred to downplay it: "The Congress is like a huge ocean, difference of opinion will be there. We will correct them. Moreover, I have been deputed by the party high command."