Former external affairs minister S.M. Krishna, who returned to a rousing welcome in Bengaluru on Friday, said he would make his political moves after watching all developments in Karnataka for a month.
Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, he said he would make public his plans for the future after observing developments in all parties for a month. He would also obtain information on recent events in all parties, he added.
In a rebuttal to statements by his critics that he was old, and would not be in a position to influence voters, the former minister said "I have travelled eight lakh km at the age of 80. So, age will not come in the way of performance.” Originally, he had hinted that he would rest for a while before returning to state politics and forge unity in the pradesh Congress committee ahead of next year's elections to the Legislative Assembly.
Commenting on the present political situation in Karnataka, Mr Krishna said, “All parties are responsible for the current state of politics in the state. The Congress party cannot shirk its responsibility.”
For the second consecutive day, scores of leaders and party workers visited Mr Krishna at his residence here and wished him well. The group headed by leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Siddaramaiah, however, was conspicuous by its absence. Mr Siddaramaiah who was away in Davanagere on Friday returned late last night and left for New Delhi on Saturday morning. A few in the party maintained that Mr Siddaramaiah avoided a meeting with Mr Krishna as he perceives the latter as a stumbling block in the race for the post of Chief Minister.
Among the leaders who called on Mr Krishna at residence were KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar, leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, S R Patil, and several former ministers and legislators.