Thoranagal (Karnataka): Winding up his two-day second leg of "Vijaya Dhundubi" Yatra in parts of North Karnataka Region, Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna, today (Apr 4, 2004) said the so called "Vajpayee wave or BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) wave" was absent in this region.

"I am still searching where these waves are," Krishna said before leaving for Bangalore.

Krishna who went through a hectic poll schedule campaigning for Congress in the districts of Bijapur, Bagalkot, Bellary and Koppal from April two, said the poll prospects of his party were bright.

Krishna said that the anti-incumbency factor was invisible in the entire State and added the Congress would emerge clear winner in the coming polls and form Government on its own.

He however declined to react to the opinion poll survey published in a section of the press, which said the Congress would emerge as the single largest party.

Krishna, continuing his war of attrition against BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu, charged him of failing to discharge his duties and responsibilities as an elected representative despite being a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka.

He virtually targeted Naidu throughout his campaign in these districts, which border the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, from where Naidu hails.

Krishna utilised every platform and opportunity to take a swipe at Naidu, charging that he did not raise his voice whenever Karnataka faced distress situation, whether on drought or water sharing rows.

Krishna said that it was understandable that Naidu cannot take Karnataka's side when the Paragodu barrage row between the State and Andhra Pradesh broke out a year ago.

He asked Naidu, "What prevented him to air his views on Cauvery river water sharing dispute that touched peak two years ago between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu."

"Should we need such persons and the party which elected him to Rajya Sabha from Karnataka should reply," Krishna said obviously attacking BJP in the State.

Krishna however acknowledged the support extended by Karnataka Unit BJP president Anantkumar, who was in the Union Ministry. He alleged that when Karnataka repeatedly pleaded with the Centre for allotment of food grains and sanctioning of cash assistance, the Union Government favoured Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu without affecting the interest of Karnataka could have argued before his party-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government that the State faced one of the worst droughts and played a role in securing higher assistance.

"Naidu never espoused the cause of Karnataka," he charged but hastened to add, "he is my good friend."

Krishna addressing a series of meetings yesterday (Apr 3, 2004) said that the Congress Government headed by him has ushered in revolution in various fields including in the housing, education and health sectors.

He said that he would feel proud being called the Chief Minister of a number one State and did not enjoy the title of "No 1 Chief Minister".