Wednesday, March 5, 2008 (New Delhi)
Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna submitted his resignation to President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday, paving the way for his return to active politics.He has already met Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who gave the go-ahead for his return.Krishna left Karnataka politics after the 2004 Assembly elections when the Congress formed a coalition with the Janata Dal (S) to keep the BJP out of power in the state.The Congress is hoping that Krishna's presence in Karnataka would help boost the party's chances in the upcoming assembly elections in the state.The Chief Election Commissioner had indicated that elections would be held before the six months of President's rule were up, at the end of May.Former CM welcomes Krishna's returnSenior Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister N Dharam Singh has welcomed his predecessor S M Krishna's expected return to the state to lead the party in the coming Assembly election.''I welcome Congress President Sonia Gandhi's decision in this regard. Krishna's entry will further strengthen Congress in the state'', Singh said.D K Shivakumar, a trusted aide of Krishna, said: ''People of Karnataka have been eagerly awaiting Krishna's return to active politics and to the state. Krishna is sacrificing a top post, a fact people should bear in mind.''''Congress will certainly fare well in the coming elections and come to power,'' he exuded confidence.