Former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna (TOI file photo)

MYSURU: Former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna , who was external affairs minister in the Manmohan Singh government, on Saturday said he had to quit the government and Congress party because of "constant interference" from Rahul Gandhi .

The BJP leader on Saturday took a jibe at the Congress chief, saying he forced him out of the party. He said he had to resign from the post of external affairs minister as it had become unbearable to continue due to constant interference. He had also talked about this when he resigned in 2017.

"Ten years ago, Rahul was an MP and didn't hold any party post but would interfere in all matters. Even though Manmohan Singh was the PM, many subjects were taken up without bringing it to his notice.

Congress did not have any control over alliance parties. It was then that all major scams like 2G spectrum , Commonwealth and coal were reported. Such situations arise when there's no able leadership," said Krishna who later crossed over to BJP.

"As I was in power in the UPA government from 2009 to 2014, I'm equally responsible for all good and bad things which happened then," he said, adding that the then PM did not have control over his cabinet and government as everything was being controlled by Rahul who acted like an extra-constitutional body.

The former CM talked that the atmosphere in Congress during 2009-2014, repeating his charge that he had to quit the government despite having served " efficiently" for three-and-a half years because of Rahul's "order" that those who had turned 80 should not be in government.

After joining BJP, Krishna has largely kept away from active politics but participated in the campaign against former CM Siddaramaiah during the previous assembly elections.

With Lok Sabha elections nearing, Krishna has reappeared to influence voters in his home town Maddur from where he started his political career. Appreciating the leadership of PM Modi and comparing him to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Krishna said India is marching towards progress under the Modi rule.



In Video: Rahul’s decision of keeping those over 80 out of the Cabinet prompted me to quit UPA Cabinet: SM Krishna