Sonia may retain Krishna as CM

The Congress chief, in turn, suggested to Gowda that his party support the Congress form a government, said sources. Sonia feels that Krishna would be an appropriate person to run a coalition government. While expressing his reservation over Krishna, Gowda is said to have tried to impress upon her that the Congress had not got the renewed mandate to rule again and told her that the anti-incumbency factor had led to the Congress’ defeat. Krishna and Vilasrao Deshmukh, AICC general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, also called on Sonia and discussed the political situation in the state. With Sonia ‘‘giving’’ an indication of her choice, other leaders aspiring for the CM’s post — Dharam Singh, Mallikarjuna Kharge and H.K. Patil — have stepped up their lobbying.

However, the government formation is expected to gain momentum once the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meets on Monday. Sources said the CLP may authorise Sonia to name the CLP leader and also talk to JD (S) on the formation of the government.

The JD (S) Legislature Party has already elected Siddaramaiah as its leader and is demanding the CM’s post for him. Meanwhile, Urban Development Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who had emerged as a major power-centre, is said to have thrown his weight behind Krishna.