Congress downplays Krishna’s resignation, says focus on fighting ‘non-secular’ BJP

Team Udayavani, Jan 30, 2017, 10:17 AM IST

Bengaluru: Attempting to downplay the shocking resignation of former external affairs minister S.M. Krishna, the Congress Party on Monday said that one must not feel disappointed and quit, adding the focus at the moment is to fight the ‘non-secular’ Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, said it is part and parcel of being a politician to feel neglected or less in value compared to others, but one must not feel disappointed and quit.

“These instances keep taking place. I have also spent 45 years. I have worked in the opposition for seven years, 25 years for Congress, everything can’t go your way all the time,” Kharge said.

“I still appeal to him that at least reconsider your words as you are putting the country’s benefit at stake especially at a time when the BJP is at the Centre. We need to build a secular force. He has come from a socialist party and then worked for the Congress for over 45-50 years,” he added.

Expressing pain and anguish, Krishna alleged that the Congress had sidelined him citing his old age.

“The party demands only managers. They don’t need time-tested leaders and workers like me. With pain and anguish, I have decided to quit the Congress. This is a time to do some introspection,” he said.