There is never a dull moment when it comes to Karnataka politics.

Just when everyone thought that Karnataka would go into elections with no controversy or drama, a book written by a former minister in which he explores a romantic angle pertaining to Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna has stirred a controversy in the state of Karnataka.

The book titled Halli Hakkiya Haadu authored by former Congress minister Vishwanath mentions the romance between S M Krishna who is also former chief minister of Karnataka and Saroja Devi, a Kannada movie star of yesteryears.

The timing of the book could not have been better for Krishna's rivals as he is contemplating a return to active politics in Karnataka.

Sources said Krishna may put in his papers as governor of Maharashtra only after February 10 as he considers the date to be auspicious.

Vishwanath in his 184-page autobiography recalls an incident when he along with Krishna were on an election campaign a few years ago. He states in the book that the newspapers had a headline that Saroja Devi would be contesting the Mandya Lok Sabha seat.

When Krishna was glancing through it, Vishwanath asks him, "What would people say? Come what may Krishna will not forget his old numbers."

To this Krishna laughs and tells Vishwanath, "We should not forget anybody."

The Krishna camp is however guarded in its approach to this entire episode. They say that around 55 years back, Krishna had received a proposal from Saroja Devi's family and there was nothing beyond that. Krishna's supporters however did not take this too kindly and did not allow the book to be released.

They ransacked the venue where the book was to be released while accusing Vishwanath of trying to defame Krishna.

Political pundits in the state say that this is nothing more than a political stunt.

It is a well known fact that Vishwanath is about to switch loyalties and may join either the Janata Dal-Secular or the Bharatiya Janata Party very soon as he is unhappy with the Congress in Karnataka.

This may be his parting shot to the Congress before he leaves the party.