ENS

Bangalore, Mar 11: Former Maharashtra governor S M Krishna is set to return to active political life on March 14, by entering the State through Belgaum.

He will address a few public meetings before his arrival in Bangalore three days later.

The selection of Belgaum, which is being claimed by Maharashtra, seems to be a calculated move to defuse his detractors who had criticised him for reading out a Governor's speech in the Maharashtra Assembly stating that Belgaum belonged to it.

He would be received by State Congress leaders, including KPCC president Mallikharjun Kharge at the border.

Krishna and Congress leaders are set to address public gatherings at Belgaum, Hubli and Chitradurga, followed by a Janandolana rally in Mysore on March 16.

Krishna will also visit Siddaganga seer Sri Shivakumara swamiji on March 17.

Krishna’s Belgaum visit cancelled

SM Krishna's re-entry into Karnataka politics from Belgaum has been cancelled. Krishna, instead, prefers to go directly to Bangalore from Mumbai.

Krishna had planned to re-start his career in active politics from Belgaum on March 14. He was supposed to address rallies at Belgaum and various places on National Highway 4 before reaching Bangalore.

D K Shivkumar, former minister and a close associate of Krishna, had also visited Belgaum recently and discussed with the local Congress leaders Krishna's visit.

A reception committee was formed to receive Krishna in a grand manner. Shivkumar had also visited Sardar's Ground where the function was planned on March 14.

A former Congress MLA told `Express' that the KPCC took strong exception to `such types' of welcome.

The KPCC told Krishna that if he wants to tour North Karnataka, he should consult the party high command and the tour should be accompanied by the KPCC president.

The Congress leader said the tour has been cancelled and Krishna would go directly to Bangalore. Later he may visit North Karnataka along with KPCC chief, he said.