Bengaluru: Stating he was not averse to joining any political party, former Union minister S.M. Krishna said "You will get an answer to this in the coming days".
Talking to reporters near Maddur in Mandya district after visiting Male Mahadeshwara Hills to pay his obeisance to the presiding deity, he said before taking any decision (on joining another political party), "I will hold consultation with my friends and well-wishers. At present, I will not impose my decision on my followers as I can understand their constraints. They will take an appropriate decision at the right time".
Mr Krishna dismissed reports of hobnobbing with BJP and said he and state BJP President and Shivamogga Lok Sabha member B.S. Yeddyurappa had exchanged pleasantries during the release of a felicitation volume on Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda at a function here on Sunday.
"I started my political career from Maddur to launch the anti-Congress movement a few decades ago. If I am anything in politics, it's due to the love and affection showered on me by people of Maddur and Mandya. Already, I have explained the circumstances which forced me to quit the Congress Party. The question of holding talks with Mr Ahmed Patel, political secretary to AICC President Sonia Gandhi and with Ms Gandhi is a closed chapter. I am not inviting anyone to join me as I can understand their predicament. Those leaders are mature enough to take a right decision at the right time".
Ruling out floating a new political outfit as suggested by former Mandya MP G Made Gowda, Mr Krishna said it was the personal opinion of Mr Gowda."I have held a detailed discussion with Mr Ravindra Srikantiah soon after announcing my decision to quit the Congress Party. I and Ravindra enjoy good chemistry. I did not wish to make public what we both discussed".
On the possibility of contesting from Maddur in the coming Assembly polls, the former CM said he would take a decision at the right time. "I will reveal in detail about those who made my stay in the party miserable".
Meanwhile, former Congress MLC and chairman of Mysore Urban Development Authority(MUDA), Mr D. Made Gowda resigned from the Congress Party in support of Mr Krishna. Speaking to reporters, Mr Gowda "We will support Mr Krishna in whatever decision he takes in the coming days and we will be with him always".
In the meantime, Mr Krishna held a secret meeting with Maddur JD(S) MLA D.C. Thammanna and Mandya Lok Sabha member C.S. Puttaraj at a coffee joint in Rudrakshipur near Maddur. However, details of the meeting were not made public.
Earlier, Mr and Mrs Krishna went to MM Hills in a special helicopter and offered their prayers. On their return journey by road, the former CM made a brief stoppage at Maddur-his home town and held talks with his followers.
