Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna is likely to step down and return to active politics in Karnataka, informed sources told rediff.com on Wednesday.

Though former chief minister Krishna has expressed his desire to return to active politics, the Congress high command has not taken as decision as it fears his return may split the party.

There are a lot of Congress leaders who are opposed to Krishna returning. Mallikarjuna Kharge, the current state chief, feels it may ruin his chances of becoming chief minister, a post he has been eyeing for many years now.

These factors have not deterred Krishna, who will soon visit Delhi, where he is expected to express his desire to return to Karnataka, something he has done in writing several times.

Sources said Krishna feels he has a bigger role to play in Karnataka politics. They also said the Congress may appoint Krishna as the chairman of the campaign committee to avoid any major confrontation.