Former union minister S M Krishna is as good as out of the chief ministerial race. The former chief minister, who called on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday, informed her that he will not contest in the forthcoming Assembly polls in Karnataka.
Informed sources said at the meeting, which took place at Gandhi’s 10 Janpath residence, Krishna gave her a list of about 50 candidates, who according to him, have winning chances. Apparently, this list contained names of only Vokkaligas.
Krishna’s decision not to contest the polls is considered a significant development as his supporters were hoping that he would emerge as a key contender for the chief minister’s post should Congress win the polls.
Tussle among contenders. More so, if there was a tussle between two-three contenders in which case Krishna would have emerged a consensus choice given his acceptability.
Although such a situation still exists, the party’s recent stress on inducting young leaders in important posts would keep the 80-year-old party veteran out of contest, sources added.
Gandhi and Krishna are also said to have discussed the election strategy that the party has to adopt in the State. Gandhi also asked Krishna to meet senior leader A K Antony, who is part of the central election committee (CEC) of Congress. Accordingly, Krishna met the defence minister late in the evening.
Rizwan denies reports. Karnataka Youth Congress president Rizwan Arshad denied reports that he threatened to resign from his post. “It is true that we have demanded about 20 seats for our members. We would be happy even if ten of them are made nominees. Anything less than this would hurt us. Reports that I have resigned or that I have threatened to resign are baseless,” he added.
The CEC will hold its final meeting on Saturday morning to clear the list of party candidates for the polls. It is possible that the party may announce the list after the meeting. The first meeting was held on Thursday.
