<p><br />A section of Congress leaders fears that the party may face the backlash of the dominant Vokkaliga community with former chief minister S M Krishna quitting the party. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Krishna, who hails from Maddur in Mandya district, is one of the prominent Vokkaliga leaders and still holds considerable influence over the community in the old Mysuru region. <br /><br />The party may face the wrath of the Vokkaliga community if appropriate steps are not taken to contain the damage, a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity. Vokkaligas are already said to be upset with the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah for not giving much importance to the community. <br /><br />Krishna, who held a press conference, however, refused to comment whether his decision will damage the party. <br /><br />Excerpts of Krishna’s interaction with the media:<br /><br />Media: Will the Congress face the backlash of the Vokkaliga community after your exit from the party? <br />S M Krishna: I never claimed that I am a Vokkaliga leader. As a leader, I tried to represent all sections of society. It is incidental that I am born in the Vokkaliga community. <br /><br />Are you upset with the party government in the state for not performing up to the mark?<br />It is irrelevant. I have no differences with anybody in the state. <br /><br />It is speculated in the media circles that you are eying at the post of Vice President of India? <br />Do you think I am mad?<br /><br />Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said you are welcome to the BJP? What is your reaction?<br />I have not taken any decision on my future plans. <br /><br />Don’t you think you are ditching the Congress when it is in a bad condition?<br />I am not ditching the party. I am only quitting. <br /><br />Do you think you were sidelined after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi took control of the party?<br />Being a senior leader I used to follow the party president and not the vice president or a secretary. I think generations can change but values do not.<br /><br />From when do you think the party started disrespecting senior leaders?<br />Initially, Sonia Gandhi had maintained a good rapport with the party workers. Now, <br />I am inclined to feel that the party depends more on managers. <br />DH News Service</p>
<p><br />A section of Congress leaders fears that the party may face the backlash of the dominant Vokkaliga community with former chief minister S M Krishna quitting the party. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Krishna, who hails from Maddur in Mandya district, is one of the prominent Vokkaliga leaders and still holds considerable influence over the community in the old Mysuru region. <br /><br />The party may face the wrath of the Vokkaliga community if appropriate steps are not taken to contain the damage, a senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity. Vokkaligas are already said to be upset with the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah for not giving much importance to the community. <br /><br />Krishna, who held a press conference, however, refused to comment whether his decision will damage the party. <br /><br />Excerpts of Krishna’s interaction with the media:<br /><br />Media: Will the Congress face the backlash of the Vokkaliga community after your exit from the party? <br />S M Krishna: I never claimed that I am a Vokkaliga leader. As a leader, I tried to represent all sections of society. It is incidental that I am born in the Vokkaliga community. <br /><br />Are you upset with the party government in the state for not performing up to the mark?<br />It is irrelevant. I have no differences with anybody in the state. <br /><br />It is speculated in the media circles that you are eying at the post of Vice President of India? <br />Do you think I am mad?<br /><br />Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said you are welcome to the BJP? What is your reaction?<br />I have not taken any decision on my future plans. <br /><br />Don’t you think you are ditching the Congress when it is in a bad condition?<br />I am not ditching the party. I am only quitting. <br /><br />Do you think you were sidelined after Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi took control of the party?<br />Being a senior leader I used to follow the party president and not the vice president or a secretary. I think generations can change but values do not.<br /><br />From when do you think the party started disrespecting senior leaders?<br />Initially, Sonia Gandhi had maintained a good rapport with the party workers. Now, <br />I am inclined to feel that the party depends more on managers. <br />DH News Service</p>
