Bengaluru: Former Minister of External Affairs and Chief Minister of Karnataka, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, died on Tuesday at the age of 92. Krishna had played a key role in shaping India’s foreign policy from 2009 to 2012. He passed away at his Bengaluru residence after suffering from a prolonged illness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over his demise. He took to the microblogging site X, describing Krishna as a ‘remarkable leader’. “SM Krishna Ji was a remarkable leader, admired by people from all walks of life,”
PM Modi said.
Shri SM Krishna Ji was a remarkable leader, admired by people from all walks of life. He always worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. He is fondly remembered for his tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, particularly for his focus on infrastructural development. Shri… pic.twitter.com/Wkw25mReeO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2024
“I have had many opportunities to interact with Shri SM Krishna Ji over the years, and I will always cherish those interactions. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family and admirers,” he wrote on X.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote on X, “Krishna’s service as a State and Union Minister and Chief Minister is unparalleled. Karnataka will always be indebted to him for his contribution to the growth of the IT-BT sector, especially as Chief Minister.”
“Krishna, who was a secretive politician, was an enemy of Ajatasatru. Krishna, who was my guide in the early days of joining the Congress party, was always my well-wisher. Krishna’s foresight, disciplined life, gentlemanly demeanour and studious attitude are role models for budding politicians. I also share in the grief of his family and fans who are saddened by his passing away. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace,” he added.
#WATCH | The mortal remains of former Karnataka CM SM Krishna have been kept at his residence in Bengaluru for people to pay their last respects. pic.twitter.com/Pew1MVyvnR
— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri 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,” Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress chief, wrote on X.
The Karnataka government has declared three days of mourning for his demise. His last rites will be carried out with full state honours. During this period, no official functions or celebrations will take place, the ANI reported.
Krishna served as the chief minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004. He was redited with transforming Bengaluru into the country’s technology hub and letting the city earn the title of ‘Silicon Valley of India.’ He had also served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008.
In 2023, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his contributions to Indian politics, which he joined in the 1960s. In 2023, he had announced to step away from active politics.
