Former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna Passes Away at 92
Bengaluru, December 10: S.M. Krishna, a towering political figure in Karnataka and former Chief Minister of the state, passed away at the age of 92. Krishna, who had been unwell for some time, breathed his last earlier today, leaving behind a rich legacy of public service and governance.
Born on May 1, 1932, in Maddur, Karnataka, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna had an illustrious political career spanning over six decades. Known for his administrative acumen and modern outlook, he served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004. His tenure is widely remembered for initiating several key reforms, particularly in the areas of technology and urban development, which earned Bengaluru its reputation as India’s IT hub.
A long-time leader of the Indian National Congress, S.M. Krishna also held several significant positions at the national level. He served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008 and later joined the Union Cabinet as the Minister of External Affairs from 2009 to 2012 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government. In his role as External Affairs Minister, Krishna was instrumental in strengthening India’s diplomatic ties globally.
Krishna began his political journey in the 1960s after completing his education in law from Southern Methodist University in the United States and George Washington University. His political career took off when he became a member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and later a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
Despite his long association with the Congress party, Krishna made headlines in 2017 when he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing his desire to contribute further to public service.
Known for his affable personality and forward-thinking policies, Krishna’s contributions to Karnataka’s development, particularly in making Bengaluru a global IT destination, remain unparalleled. He was also a proponent of infrastructure modernization and education reform during his tenure.
Leaders from across the political spectrum have expressed their condolences. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described Krishna as a “visionary leader who transformed the state,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him “a statesman who left an indelible mark on Indian politics.”
Krishna is survived by his wife Prema Krishna and two daughters. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon.