Monday, January 2 2006 15:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Asserting that he was firmly in the saddle, Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh today (Jan 02, 2006) dismissed speculations about attempts by a section of Congress leaders for a change of guard in the state.

Singh said, "too much meaning" should not be read into the meetings between Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna and KPCC President Mallikarjun Kharge here, which had fuelled speculations about leadership change.

"I am sitting here strongly. People have approved the Congress policies (in the recently held polls to Zilla and Taluk Panchayats). Why speculations", Singh told reporters.

Singh said Krishna was a senior Congress leader and a former chief minister and the KPCC chief meeting him should not be seen as an attempt to bring him down. "It is only a courtesy call". Asked how 'courtesy calls' could take place thrice, Singh shot back, "are you maintaining attendance". They might have discussed about Karnataka but not "too much" should be read into it, he said, adding, Kharge himself had made it clear that there would be no change of leadership.

Krishna was a former chief minister who had been in politics for four decades. It was natural for leaders and workers to meet him, he said, adding, "There is nothing wrong in it".

On some section of Congress leaders not being happy with him, Singh said, "The Congress is like an ocean. There may be some small differences".

Asked about the Congress having tie-up with JDS in ZPs where it had not secured majority, he said he would discuss the issue with central leadership and abide by their decision.