Karnataka’s former CM SM Krishna passed away
S M Krishna, Former Chief Minister of Karnataka speaking at Dr K Venkatagiri Gowda’s (KVG) Birth centenary celebration organise by KVG Birth centenary celebration committee at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium in Bangalore on Sunday, 17th September 2023. DH Photo/ S K Dinesh
SM Krishna, a veteran politician and former Karnataka chief minister, died early on Tuesday in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness. He was 92. According to initial reports, SM Krishna, who was hospitalized in October, died at home.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri S.M. Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, whose leadership and public service legacy has left an indelible mark on our state and nation. His vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress and his corporate approach towards governance for Bengaluru endeared him to many,” Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge posted on X.
“We are still reaping the benefits of his vision of positioning Bengaluru as a global city. As we remember him, we grieve the loss of a towering figure in our politics and celebrate a life well-lived in service to the people. May his soul rest in peace and his contributions continue to inspire generations,” Priyank Kharge added.
SM Krishna was the chief minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004 and the governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. In May 2009, Prime Minister
Krishna cut ties with the Congress and joined the BJP in 2017 but kept a low political profile.
He also served as external affairs minister during the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance government from 2009 to 2012.
He joined the BJP in March 2017, ending his nearly 50-year-long association with the Congress. He retired from active politics last year, news agency ANI reported.
He received the Padma Vibhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2023 for his contribution to the field of public affairs.
“My parents will be pleased and happy for that the honourable Prime Minister and Home Minister have thought it fit to confer this prestigious distinction on me. I’m grateful to the government of India and I’m also grateful to the people of Karnataka,” Krishna was quoted as saying after receiving the award.
