In an attempt to bring former external affairs minister S M Krishna to the centrestage of state politics and mark the former CM’s 50 years in politics, over 300 Congress leaders have decided to felicitate him next month.
Top leaders, including KPCC president Dr G Parameshwar, Union Minister K H Muniyappa, MP H Vishwanath, legislators and former ministers, in an informal meeting on Sunday decided to felicitate Krishna and mount pressure on him to plunge into state politics.
At a gathering of senior leaders convened to work out a strategy, Muniyappa said Krishna’s services need to be used to bolster the prospects of the party. “As chief minister, Krishna laid a strong foundation for the robust economic growth of Karnataka and by honouring him in a befitting manner, a strong message can be sent to the electorate,” he said.
Vishwanath listed out several programmes launched by Krishna, including the mid-day meal scheme, Yashaswini, Bhoomi, empowerment of women etc.
Parameshwar said that Krishna is as an astute administrator, parliamentarian and diplomat and his works need to be documented. Assuring that all units of the state Congress would extend cooperation, the KPCC president said there is a need to pay tribute to Krishna for his yeoman service.
It was also decided to bring out a book on Krishna penned by renowned writers, social thinkers, parliamentarians and his admirers to commemorate his golden jubilee in politics.
Former chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council B L Shankar, former ministers H K Patil, D K Shivakumar, Rani Satish, Ramalinga Reddy and former Opposition leader in the legislative council V S Ugrappa also spoke.