Siddaramaiah certain to join Congress, says Dharam

Bangalore, June 28 (UNI) Putting to rest speculations, former Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh today said former Deputy Chief Minister and All India Progressive Janata Dal leader Siddaramaiah joining the Congress ''is now a certainty.'' Talking to reporters here, he said Mr Siddaramaiah met party President Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi today. ''I do not have the details of the meeting now, but I know that it went in the right direction. His joining the party is certain. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge and I had recommended his name to the party high command after he helped the party in electing the fourth candidate in the recently held biennial elections to the Legislative Council.'' Mr Singh said the party leaders in the state has no objection to Mr Siddaramaiah joining the party. His entry would further strengthen the party state unit.

To a question, he did not rule out the possibility of former Karnataka Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna returning to active politics.

Mr Siddaramaiah is likely to meet Ms Gandhi again next week.

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