Honeymoon over, Siddu government should show results: SM Krishna

Former external affairs minister and senior Congress leader SM Krishna, who has been maintaining a low profile since his exit from the UPA cabinet last year, spoke to Suresh Puduvettu of dna on a wide range of issues. He was forthright in his opinion when he was asked to comment on Siddramaiah's government in the state and BJP leader Narendra Modi factor in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress has already started its election campaign in the state. You have been absent so far. Would you be campaigning for the Congress candidates?

I will definitely campaign for the Congress candidates. I plan to start campaigning from April 2 onwards. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) is preparing the campaign tour plan. Accordingly, I will be campaigning in nine constituencies which include Bangalore South and Mandya.

You seem to have agreed to campaign only after chief minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president G Parameshwara requested you to campaign for the Congress?

No, even before Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara met me at my residence, I had expressed my desire before the KPCC about my campaign plans.

During last year's assembly polls, the party did not bank on your experience during campaingin. Do you still feel that the same is prevailing?

No it's not like that. I have worked for the Congress for more than four decades. When the party has given me everything why should I worry now that I have been neglected or am not treated well in the party.

Then why did the sttate leaders keep you away from the Lok Sabha candidates' selection process?

A. I have strong faith in Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi. As a Congress leader, I know my responsibilities and limitations. Therefore, keeping that in mind I am still working for the party.

Do you think senior leaders are being treated well in the party. Recently we had veteran leader Jaffer Sharief quitting the Congress ?

I don't know much about Jaffer Sharief episode. But there have been a lot of speculations over Sharief and it is really unfortunate. Senior leaders like Sharief should not leave the Congress and party must make all the efforts to retain him. If the party wants my help, I will definitely meet Sharief and convince him to stay back.

What is your opinion about the Siddaramaiah government's performance?

The honeymoon period is now over and people are expecting his government to show the results.

Does that mean that the state government is not doing well?

If people are expecting more from the government, then why should I comment

Do you belive Modi 'wave' will damage Congress' prospects in the state?

In Karnataka, there is nothing called Modi wave. The so called Modi is like passing clouds, they appear once in a while and disappear.

What is your opinion about AAP and their candidates?

Yes, AAP was perceived to be a good alternative for the country and people had lot of exceptions. But they failed to rule in a small state like Delhi. Thereafte, AAP has lost the public faith.

So, Congress has not taken AAP candidates very seriously in the poll ?

Certainly. AAP came with good intentions. In a democratic setup like India, political parties must respect our constitution. But, it is really a joke that one who wants to hold the assembly session at Ram Leela Maidan. Is this the way to rule?

Is Nandan Nilekani a good choice for Bangalore South constituency?

Why not? When people are talking about corruption in the politics, people like Nilekani can change that perception. I feel more such personalities should enter politics. Besides I wholeheartedly welcome our party's decision on choosing Nandan Nilekani.

Will you campaign for Nilekani ?

Yes. In fact, he had met me before entering politics and asked my suggestions. As an IT professional, Nilekani has made tremendous contribution to the city. I will definitely campaign for him.