Bengaluru, 10 December 2024: Veteran politician and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, popularly known as SM Krishna, passed away early Tuesday morning at the age of 92. He had been battling a prolonged illness and was hospitalised in October. According to family sources, Krishna died peacefully at his residence in Bengaluru at 2:45 am.
SM Krishna held several key positions throughout his career, including serving as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004 and the Governor of Maharashtra between 2004 and 2008. His most significant role was as India’s External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government.
Krishna made his mark in politics not only through his leadership but also by introducing a corporate approach to governance, particularly in Bengaluru, which he helped position as a global tech hub.
Following the news of his passing, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge expressed his condolences on social media, praising Krishna for his lasting impact on both the state and the country. He highlighted Krishna’s vision of making Bengaluru a global city, noting that the benefits of his work are still felt today. “As we remember him, we not only grieve the loss of a towering figure in our politics but also celebrate a life well-lived in service to the people,” Kharge wrote.
Krishna’s political journey began long before he became Chief Minister. He was a member of both the Karnataka Assembly and the Council, and also served as the state’s Deputy Chief Minister from 1993 to 1994. His leadership was instrumental in the Congress party’s success in the 1999 Karnataka Assembly elections. His efforts are credited with transforming Bengaluru into “India’s Silicon Valley,” with the IT sector growing rapidly under his leadership.
In 2017, Krishna made the surprising move of switching parties, joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after nearly five decades with the Congress. He retired from active politics in 2023.
Posthumous Recognition
In 2023, SM Krishna was honoured with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award for his contributions to public service. Speaking after receiving the award, he expressed gratitude to the government of India and the people of Karnataka for the recognition.
A Well-Educated Leader
A law graduate, SM Krishna studied in the United States at Southern Methodist University and George Washington University Law School, where he was a Fulbright Scholar. His academic achievements further cemented his leadership qualities, contributing to his long and impactful career in public service.
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