SM Krishna, Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor, Passes Away at 92

SM Krishna, a distinguished Indian politician and statesman, passed away early Tuesday at the age of 92 in Bengaluru. After battling prolonged illness, he breathed his last at 2:45 AM at his residence. Krishna, who was hospitalized earlier in October, leaves behind a legacy of visionary leadership and transformative governance.

A Political Legacy Spanning Decades

Born Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, he played a pivotal role in shaping Karnataka's political landscape. Krishna served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004, and later, as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. In addition to his roles at the state level, Krishna held the position of External Affairs Minister in the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government from 2009 to 2012.

His political journey, which began with the Congress Party, lasted nearly five decades before he switched allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017. Despite joining the BJP, Krishna maintained a low political profile and officially retired from active politics in 2023.

Tributes Pour In

News of Krishna's demise has evoked widespread tributes from across the political spectrum. Priyank Kharge, Karnataka's Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, expressed his condolences, highlighting Krishna's significant contributions to Karnataka and Bengaluru.

> “Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri S.M. Krishna. His vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress and positioned Bengaluru as a global city. We grieve the loss of a towering figure and celebrate a life well-lived in service to the people,” Kharge posted on X.

Krishna is remembered as a leader who modernized governance in Karnataka, particularly during his tenure as Chief Minister. His forward-looking policies are credited with positioning Bengaluru as a global hub for the IT industry, earning it the moniker "India's Silicon Valley."

Personal Life and Achievements

Krishna is survived by his wife, Prema, and two daughters, Shambhavi and Malavika. His illustrious career included numerous accolades, culminating in the Padma Vibhushan award in 2023 for his contributions to public affairs.

> "I’m grateful to the Government of India and the people of Karnataka for this recognition," Krishna said after receiving the award.

Education and Early Career

Krishna was a Fulbright Scholar and a graduate of Southern Methodist University, Texas, and The George Washington University Law School, Washington DC. His academic background in law and his international exposure played a key role in shaping his progressive approach to governance.

Contributions to Karnataka and Beyond

During his tenure as Chief Minister, Krishna emphasized infrastructure development, education, and technology, spearheading initiatives that bolstered Bengaluru’s reputation on the global stage. His tenure also saw significant advancements in Karnataka's IT sector, with policies fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Krishna's ability to blend corporate governance principles with public administration earned him widespread respect. Many believe his tenure laid the groundwork for Bengaluru's transformation into a global tech hub.

Transition to BJP and Retirement

In a move that surprised many, Krishna ended his long-standing association with the Congress in 2017 and joined the BJP. He described this decision as driven by a desire to serve in a new political landscape, though he remained relatively inactive in party politics.

Krishna formally retired from active politics in 2023, marking the end of a remarkable political career spanning over five decades.

A Life of Service

SM Krishna's life and career stand as a testament to his commitment to public service. From his early days in Karnataka's assembly to his roles as Chief Minister, Governor, and External Affairs Minister, he remained steadfast in his dedication to the people. His visionary policies continue to benefit Karnataka and the nation, and his legacy will inspire future generations.

As his mortal remains are taken to his hometown of Maddur, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating the life of a leader who redefined governance and left an indelible mark on Indian politics.