SM Krishna, the former Karnataka chief minister credited with putting Bengaluru on the global map, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday. He was 92. According to sources, Krishna passed away at around 2.30-2.45 am due to age-related issues.
During his nearly six-decade-long political career, mostly with the Congress party, Krishna was an MLA and MLC as well as a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha multiple times, even as he assumed a range of high public offices, including the posts of chief minister, governor and the external affairs minister. Krishna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017, and announced retirement from active politics in January last year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, and said Krishna was “a remarkable leader, admired by people from all walks of life”. “He always worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. He is fondly remembered for his tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, particularly for his focus on infrastructural development. Shri SM Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker,” PM Modi posted on X.
“I have had many opportunities to interact with Shri SM Krishna Ji over the years, and I will always cherish those interactions. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi said.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed his condolences and said the state will “forever remain indebted to him”. “His unparalleled contributions as a Union Minister, Chief Minister, and leader have left an indelible mark. Karnataka will forever remain indebted to him, especially for his visionary leadership in transforming the IT-BT sector during his tenure as Chief Minister,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.
“A statesman and a leader without adversaries, Shri Krishna was a guide and mentor to me during my early days in the Congress party and remained a well-wisher throughout. His foresight, disciplined life, and kind nature are an inspiration for aspiring politicians. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers in this moment of grief. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also a relative of S M Krishna, said the final rites will be performed Wednesday in the Somanahalli village of the state’s Mandya district.
A Padma Vibhushan awardee and a Fulbright scholar, Krishna hailed from the Maddur taluk in Mandya district, a part of the Old Mysuru region, and belonged to the Vokkaliga community.
