SM Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away at the age of 92 on Tuesday in Bengaluru after a prolonged illness. He had been hospitalized in October and ultimately died at home.
Tributes to Krishna’s Legacy
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge expressed his sadness on X, saying, “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. His vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress, and his corporate approach towards governance for Bengaluru endeared him to many.”
He further stated, “We are still reaping the benefits of his vision of positioning Bengaluru as a global city. As we remember him, we not only grieve the loss of a towering figure in our politics but also celebrate a life well-lived in service to the people. May his soul rest in peace, and may his contributions continue to inspire generations to come.”
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.
His vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress and his corporate approach towards… pic.twitter.com/z5hP4OnDwY
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) December 10, 2024
A Long Political Career
Krishna served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004. Additionally, he was the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. From 2009 to 2012, he held the position of External Affairs Minister in the UPA government.
In 2017, Krishna made the decision to leave Congress and join the BJP, marking the end of his nearly 50-year association with Congress. Despite this, he kept a low profile within the BJP and ultimately retired from active politics in 2023.
Recognition for Public Service
In 2023, Krishna received the Padma Vibhushan for his significant contributions to public service. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “My parents will be pleased and happy 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.”
