Krishna book row: Karnataka reads between the lines

In support for S M Krishna from within the Congress, former chief minister N Dharam Singh on Tuesday...

In support for S M Krishna from within the Congress, former chief minister N Dharam Singh on Tuesday called as 8220;unwarranted8221; alleged references to a romantic liaison between the Maharashtra Governor and yesteryear actress B Saroja Devi, in a yet to be released book by former Congress minister H Vishwanath.

Reports of the nearly 50-year-old 8220;liaison8221;, between Krishna, now 76, and the actress in her 70s first appeared in a tabloid which featured extracts from the unreleased book, and the item was subsequently picked up by a local television channel on Monday.

The reports have got Krishna8217;s supporters8217; knickers in knots. A group disrupted the book release by Jnanpeeth award-winning Kannada writer U R Anantha Murthy on Monday evening at Mysore University campus to protect Krishna8217;s 8220;dignity8221;.

Krishna, who is currently the Maharashtra Governor, has reportedly issued a defamation notice to the tabloid for publishing a morphed picture of his with the former actress.

Conspiracy theories abound regarding the timing of the release of the book, Halli hakki haadu Song of a village bird, and the protests around it 8212; just when Krishna is touted to return to active politics.

The protests are being viewed suspiciously since reports of such affairs are common fodder for local tabloids. Former JDS chief minister H D Kumaraswamy8217;s alleged affair with a current Kannada actress has occupied reams of local newsprint over the past year but has not evoked a squeak from any party quarters.

Some believe the juicy leaks from the book are an attempt by Krishna8217;s rivals to prevent his return to Karnataka politics. There are also theories suggesting an attempt by so-called supporters to push the book and the former CM into the public eye.

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The writer, former minister H Vishwanath, who was a controversial figure during his tenure under Krishna, says the issue had been blown out of proportion.

8220;It is not proper to make such comments about a senior leader like Krishna,8221; Dharam Singh, who was also a minister in Krishna8217;s cabinet, said on Tuesday, attempting to create the impression of supporting his predecessor in a faction-ridden Congress.

However, he added, the references in the book will not impact the image of Krishna or the Congress. 8220;Vishwanath is known for raking up controversies, I will advise him,8221; Dharam Singh said. Krishna8217;s family members have stated that a marriage alliance had been considered between the politician and the actress when they were in their mid-20s.

Incidentally, the romance has not been denied by either the politician or the actress. Meanwhile, the release of the book stands postponed.