S M Krishna, Former Karnataka CM and EAM, Dies at 92
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New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, the former External Affairs Minister and Chief Minister of Karnataka, has sadly passed away at his residence in Bengaluru during the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 92, following treatment for ailments related to aging.
A renowned figure known for his intellectual depth and administrative skills, S M Krishna enjoyed a remarkable political journey that spanned over five decades.
Born on May 1, 1932, in Maddur, Karnataka, Krishna completed his education at Maharaja’s College in Mysuru and the Government Law College in Bengaluru, later obtaining advanced degrees from Southern Methodist University in Texas and George Washington University in Washington, DC. He was a proud recipient of the esteemed Fulbright Scholarship, distinguishing him as one of the most academically accomplished leaders of his era.
He held the office of Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004, during which he played a crucial role in establishing Bengaluru as a global IT hub. His tenure as External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 under the UPA government further solidified his status as a prominent statesman. Additionally, he served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008 and was the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 1989 to 1993.
Although he was a long-standing member of the Congress party, Krishna transitioned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017, citing ideological differences, and continued to be a guiding presence in Karnataka politics until his retirement. In 2023, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan for his significant contributions.
His dedication to public service and vision for Karnataka have left a lasting impact on the state's governance and development. Even after retiring from active politics, his bond with Karnataka's cultural heritage remained strong, as seen in his inauguration of the Mysuru Dasara festivities in 2021.
