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Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, the former External Affairs Minister of India and ex-Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away at the age of 92. Krishna, a veteran politician, was instrumental in shaping Karnataka's development during his tenure as Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004, with his contributions particularly notable in transforming Bengaluru into India's Silicon Valley.
According to family sources, Krishna had been ailing for some time. He breathed his last at 2:45 am at his residence. His mortal remains are expected to be taken to Maddur later today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, remembering Krishna as a "remarkable leader" who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. Modi emphasized Krishna’s lasting legacy, particularly his role in Karnataka’s infrastructural development, and fondly recalled his interactions with the late leader. “Shri SM Krishna Ji was admired by people from all walks of life. He was a prolific reader and thinker. I am deeply saddened by his passing and extend my condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.
Earlier this year, Krishna was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, recognizing his exemplary contribution to public service and his six-decade-long political career.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge also paid tribute to Krishna on social media, expressing his sorrow and acknowledging the indelible mark Krishna had left on the state and nation. “Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri S.M. Krishna, whose legacy of leadership and public service will be remembered,” Kharge wrote.
Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri S.M. Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, whose legacy of leadership and public service has left an indelible mark on our state and nation.
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) December 10, 2024
His vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress and his corporate approach towards… pic.twitter.com/z5hP4OnDwY
Born on May 1, 1932, SM Krishna served as the 10th Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004. Under his leadership, the state saw significant advancements in infrastructure and economic growth. Krishna also served as the 19th Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008.
Krishna’s national profile rose when he became the Union Minister of External Affairs in 2009 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. During his tenure, Krishna worked to strengthen India’s global ties, including visits to countries like Tajikistan to bolster economic and energy relations. In 2012, he resigned from his position as External Affairs Minister to return to state politics, signaling the end of a significant chapter in his long career.
In 2017, Krishna parted ways with the Congress party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking another phase in his political journey.
Krishna’s passing marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics, with his contributions to both the state and the nation being remembered fondly by political leaders and citizens alike.
