BJP trying to make foray into Mandya using Krishna as a pawn?

Mandya, Feb 6: Why Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa is so much interested in bring disgruntled Congress veteran S M Krishna into the saffron party's fold despite knowing the fact that the latter cannot accept the leadership and way of functioning of the former?

Political pundits observed that there was no compatibility between the two former chief ministers of Karnataka who come from a totally mutually contrasting political culture. It would be highly difficult for Mr Krishna to make himself comfortable with not just Mr Yeddyurappa but the entire BJP brand for the fact that many “outsiders” (members of other parties joining the BJP) have turned ornamental faces or figureheads in the saffron organisation.

Though Mr Krishna was not active in politics after his unceremonious exit as External Affairs Minister, he was one of the senior and powerful faces of the Congress party from the old Mysore region. His exit is expected to have an adverse impact on the party's prospects, especially in the Vokkaliga heartland of Mandya and Ramanagaram districts, as he belongs to the politically powerful caste.

On the other hands rumours doing the rounds that BJP is trying to use 85-year-old Krishna as a paw to make a foray into Mandya, a strong bastion of Congress and JD(S). BJP has so far failed to make any electoral gains in Mandya.

Currently, the Congress is not in good shape in Mandya district owing to infighting and disgruntlement among leaders like actor-turned-politician Ambareesh. The departure of Mr Krishna would not just be a major embarrassment to the Congress at the national level, but may also strengthen the BJP in the old Mysuru region where the party is keen on improving its presence.

Sources in the BJP said it may take more time, at least till the completion of the Uttar Pradesh polls, to pursue its efforts to woo Mr Krishna. The Congress too may attempt to pacify Mr Krishna. Given the situation, Congress sources say “the direct intervention of the AICC president or vice-president may be necessary to pacify Mr Krishna”.