Krishna rules himself out of CM race in Karnataka

{image-sm krishna_09052008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Bangalore, May 9: Senior leader SM Krishna, the face of the Congress for these assembly elections in Karnataka, has declared himself out of the race for the coveted post of Chief Minister if party comes to power.

Talking to ANI in an exclusive interview , SM Krishna made it clear that he was not in the race for the CM's post and said he was here to bring the party back to power in the state. Krishna, who is in charge of Karnataka Congress party's election, expressed confidence over coming back to power in the state. He however, felt that it is going to be triangular fight between the Congress, the BJP and the JD-S. Krishna also indicated that after the elections he would take the responsibility given by the party.

Krishna resigned from the post of Governor of Maharashtra to get back into the election battle. In this election, the former Chief Minister's urban image could be an asset as he takes on the other Vokkaliga strongman - Deve Gowda.

In 2004, Krishna's urban and pro-IT image was considered a reason for the Congress's less than spectacular election performance. Now with delimitation creating more urban seats - this perceived drawback could have become an asset - and a way to parry the BJP's urban thrust.

As the 76-year-old leader tours the state in heat, tucking into traditional food like ragi balls and maddur wade, he feels he has come home. ''I feel this is where I belong,'' he said.

It is a long way from the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai to the hot and dusty campaign trail in Karnataka. But this is what SM Krishna wanted and his party's high command also seems to believe his presence can help the party come back to power in the state.

ANI