Siddu should quit, not you; we could have fought together: Poojary to Krishna

Mangaluru, Jan 30: Expressing deep frustration and resentment over recent developments in the Congress party in Karnataka, former union minister B Janardhana Poojary said that incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah should have quit the party instead of former chief minister S M Krishna.

Addressing media persons in the city on Monday, the 79-year-old outspoken leader hailed the contributions of 85-year-old Krishna to the party and the state, but dubbed the latter's decision to bid goodbye to the party as ablunder'.

At the same time Mr Poojary admitted that Mr Krishna was not given a fair treatment by the Congress and was sidelined too. He also held contemporary Congress leaders responsible for the exit of veterans from the party.

“We know that you (Krishna) are an able leader. Whatever you spoke at the recent press conference was truth. But, being such a great leader, you should not have quit the party. That was a blunder. We could have fought together to save the party," said Mr Poojary, who is equally unhappy with Siddaramaiah.

Mr Poojary also exhorted Mr Krishna to reconsider his decision and warned him against joining any other party. “You can be an asset for opposition parties. But, in fact they are waiting to finish you completely. If BJP really loves you, let them make you President of India,” he said.

Describing Siddaramiah, as aShani' or curse to the Congress party, Mr Poojary promised his complete support to Mr Krishna to fight against thearrogance' of chief minister. “To save Congress in Karnataka, we need to kick out Siddaramiah,” he said.