Esteemed Leader, Cherished by Many: President and PM Mourn S.M. Krishna's Passing

Bengaluru, Dec 10 (NationPress) S.M. Krishna, the former chief minister of Karnataka and a prominent figure in politics, died on Tuesday in Bengaluru after battling a long illness. He was aged 93.

Krishna was enduring various age-related health issues. Initially admitted to the Vaidehi Hospital, he was later transferred to the Manipal Hospital due to a lung infection. Recently, he had been receiving care in the ICU. He took his last breath at his residence in Sadashivanagar.

He is survived by his wife Prema and two daughters. The late V.G. Siddhartha, the founder of Cafe Coffee Day, was his son-in-law. Additionally, Krishna's grandson is married to the daughter of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is considered Krishna’s political godfather.

President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences upon learning of Krishna's passing. She remarked, "I am saddened by the loss of Shri S. M. Krishna, who dedicated his life to serving the public in various roles, from a member of the state assembly and parliament to a union minister and governor. As chief minister of Karnataka, he won the hearts of the people through his unwavering commitment to the state's development. My sincere condolences to his family and followers."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow over Krishna’s death, stating that he valued the many interactions he had with S.M. Krishna over the years.

"I am profoundly saddened by his loss. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," the PM added.

PM Modi further shared on his X handle, "Shri SM Krishna Ji was an extraordinary leader, respected by individuals from all backgrounds. He tirelessly strived to enhance the lives of others and is fondly remembered for his term as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, especially for his emphasis on infrastructural development. Additionally, Shri SM Krishna Ji was an avid reader and intellectual."

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar announced that Krishna’s remains would be accessible for public viewing at his Sadashivanagar residence throughout Tuesday.

His final rites are set to take place on Wednesday morning at Somanahalli in Maddur, located in Mandya district, where he was born, as stated by Shivakumar.

Krishna served as the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee in 1999, leading the Congress party to a significant victory. He held the office of Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004 and was the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha and appointed as the External Affairs Minister in Manmohan Singh's cabinet.

In 2017, Krishna severed ties with the Congress and joined the BJP but maintained a subdued political presence.

He officially announced his retirement from politics on January 7, 2023.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his shock at the passing of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna. "His contributions to both the state and nation as a Union Minister and Chief Minister are unmatched. Karnataka will always be grateful to him, especially for his pivotal role in the growth of the IT-BT sectors during his leadership as Chief Minister," he stated.

"A seasoned statesman, Krishna was a leader without adversaries. He served as my mentor during my early days in the Congress party and was always a supportive figure," the CM added.

"Krishna’s insightful vision, disciplined lifestyle, noble conduct, and scholarly attributes serve as an inspiration for aspiring politicians. I share in the sorrow of his family and supporters who are mourning his departure. I pray for his soul to find eternal peace," CM Siddaramaiah concluded.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra conveyed deep sympathies, asserting that the demise of senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna marks the loss of a guiding light for the party.

S.M. Krishna was an influential figure in politics for several decades, playing a crucial role in establishing Bengaluru as an IT-BT hub. He also served as the Union Minister of External Affairs and Governor of Maharashtra. He was honored with the Padma Vibhushan award, Vijayendra noted.

Vijayendra prayed for strength for Krishna’s family, relatives, well-wishers, and supporters in coping with this loss and wished for the departed soul to attain eternal peace.

Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna was born in the village of Somanahalli in Maddur Taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka, into a Vokkaliga family.

After completing his primary education in his hometown, he attended Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysuru for his secondary education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Maharaja's College, Mysuru, and obtained his law degree from University Law College. Moreover, he attained degrees from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., USA.

He is remembered for his significant contributions to the IT and BT sectors as well as for elevating Bengaluru to the status of the IT capital of India. He is also recognized for showcasing Brand Bengaluru on the global stage.