Bangalore: Senior state Congress leader and Home Minister M Mallikarjuna Kharge said on October 25 the decision on who should lead the party in Assembly elections in Karnataka is left to party president Sonia Gandhi.

He is ready to accept any leader cleared by Gandhi, Kharge told a meet-the-press programme jointly organised by Bangalore Reporters' Guild and Press Club of Bangalore.

Kharge said Gandhi is the leader for all, including Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president B Janardhana Poojari and Chief Minister S M Krishna.

Asked if he is ready to accept Krishna's leadership in the Assembly elections, due in September- October next year, he sought to counter it. "Did anyone tell you (the press) that he will be removed," he asked.

On whether he is ready to take on the mantle, he brushed aside the question, saying it's hypothetical.

When pointed out that he was "waiting in the wings" for long to become Chief Minister, Kharge said power was not important for him, adding realisation of the ultimate goal of serving the people was more in his mind.

Responding to questions, Kharge said operations by joint Special Task Force (STF) to nab forest brigand Veerappan were continuing, and the state is awaiting supply of sophisticated equipment and weapons from the Centre.

In association with the Centre, he said the state has taken up a police modernisation programme. In the first phase envisaging 6,200 houses for police personnel, 4,800 have been completed.

In the second phase to be taken up this year, 5,000 more houses would be built for police personnel at a cost of Rs 180 crore, the Minister added.

PTI