Bangalore : AICC general secretary incharge of Karnataka, Digvijay Singh, on Thursday met former external affairs minister S M Krishna and discussed the upcoming byelections to Bangalore Rural and Mandya Lok Sabha constituencies.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Krishna said he will take part in the party’s byelection campaign.

“The bypolls are very crucial for the party. The party leaders should work unitedly and ensure the victory of the candidates. I am ready to sincerely contribute for the party in the byelections,” he added.

Krishna’s role is important for the Congress in the bypolls, especially in Mandya constituency. Mandya is the home district of Krishna. But Housing Minister and cine star Ambareesh and Krishna have serious differences as far as the Mandya politics is concerned. So much so that Krishna did not campaign for the party in Mandya in the Assembly elections.

In order to send out a message that the party stands united in the bypolls, Ambareesh met Krishna at his residence on Wednesday evening. The party has entrusted the responsibility of overseeing the bypoll campaign in Mandya to Ambareesh. Krishna was upset with the party for sidelining him. The octogenarian leader had been sulking in the last few months. Singh said Krishna, KPCC chief G Parameshwara and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will together lead the party’s byelection campaign. Krishna is a senior party leader. His guidance is required for the party in the bypolls, Singh added.

Parameshwara said whatever be the internal differences of the party leaders, the workers should work unitedly in the byelections. Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in anti-party activities, he warned.

‘Remarriage after divorce’

Parameshwara described the reported understanding between the JD(S) and the BJP as a re-marriage after divorce. The JD(S) is taking people for a ride. The party leaders H D Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy have dropped enough hints that they will have an alliance with the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls also, he added.