Stage set for Krishna's second innings in K'taka politics

Bangalore, Mar 9 (UNI) With Goa Governor S C Jamir assuming additional charge of Maharashtra today, stage is set for former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna to make a comeback into the state politics.

Mr Krishna had quit the gubernatorial post by handing over his resignation to President Pratibha Patil on March 6 and is now strongly tipped to take over as the Chairman of the Coordination Committee to spearhead the party's campaign in the coming elections.

Party sources said the High Command was likely to make an official announcement either this evening or tomorrow.

Election Commission last week had made its intentions clear about holding an early elections, possibly before May 28, when the six-month period under the President's rule ended.

The sources said while Mr Krishna would be made the Chairman of the Coordination Committee, former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who quit JD(S) to join the Congress last year, is likely to be named as Chairman of the Campaign Committee.

Mr Siddaramaiah had not been given any prominent position in the party since he had quit the former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led JD(S) last year.

Meanwhile, the re-entry of Mr Krishna had not gone down well with the present state party leadership, which had visibly made its discontent.

Mr Krishna's supporters had already planned a grand welcome for their leader, who would arrive at the state borders in Belgaum district on March 14 and embark on a three-day journey to the state capital.

He is expected to address many public meetings en route to Bangalore.

Party in-charge of Karnataka and Union Minister Prithviraj Chauhan met Mr Krishna in Mumbai today and held discussions on the party's strategy in the coming days, the sources said.

The Coordination Committee would have more than 20 members and leaders from all 'sections' of the party would be accommodated in it, the sources added.

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