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Krishna to return to State politics

Special Correspondent

Submits resignation as Maharashtra Governor

Party planning big reception for Krishna
He took charge as Governor in December 2004

S.M. Krishna

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Governor S.M. Krishna has resigned, sources in the government said here on Wednesday night. Mr. Krishna has sent his resignation to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

The sources said Gujarat Governor Naval Kishore Sharma was likely to be given temporary charge of Maharashtra till a regular appointment to the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai was made.

Mr. Krishna, a former Chief Minister of Karnataka, is believed to be keen to return to active politics as the Assembly elections in Karnataka are scheduled to be held within a couple of months. The Congress high command is learnt to have bowed to the wishes of Mr. Krishna.

Another former Governor, Sushil Kumar Shinde, had also quit as Andhra Pradesh Governor to return to Central politics, and he is now Union Power Minister.

Prominent role

S. Rajendran reports from Bangalore:

Sources close to Mr. Krishna in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) told The Hindu that he would be given a prominent role to play in the run-up to the Legislative Assembly elections. The elections are expected in mid-May.

When Mr. Krishna was asked about the role that he is likely to be assigned, he said, “I am a party worker. It is for the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to decide on what role I should play. I am ready for any work. I now feel relieved.”

He said his resignation had nothing to do with the latest developments in the State relating to the Assembly elections. “I have been wanting to quit the gubernatorial position for the past few months, and a decision was taken some time ago. It is only a matter of coincidence that my return to active politics has coincided with the elections in the State,” he told The Hindu. Mr. Krishna was in New Delhi on Wednesday and called on AICC president Sonia Gandhi before putting in his papers.

Mr. Krishna took charge as Governor of Maharashtra in December 2004 after the Congress led by him could not gain a majority in the April 2004 Assembly elections. This paved the way for the Congress to work out an alliance with the Janata Dal (Secular).

Asked whether he was happy to return to the State politics, Mr. Krishna said, “I have been waiting to return and the day has arrived. I may come to Bangalore in a few days after handing over the resignation letter to President Pratibha Patil.”

Reception

KPCC general secretary Prakash Rathod said the party was planning a big reception for Mr. Krishna when he arrives in Bangalore. The return of Mr. Krishna has come as a shot in the arm for the pro-Krishna group in the State Congress which is elated by the party high command’s decision.

Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka and Union Minister Prithiviraj Chavan was in Bangalore to gear up the party for elections. His mission was also to feel the pulse of the party leaders over the return of the former Chief Minister.

The former Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh and KPCC president M. Mallikarjun Kharge told The Hindu that they were happy with the decision of the AICC. It would enhance the strength of the party in the elections, they said.

Several AICC members from Karnataka such as Margaret Alva, M. Veerappa Moily and B.K. Hariprasad are said to be opposed to Mr. Krishna’s return to State politics.

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