Former Karnataka CM and Maharashtra Governor S.M. Krishna Passes Away at 92

Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Maharashtra Governor S.M. Krishna passes away at 92. He passed away early Tuesday morning at his residence after a prolonged illness.

He was surrounded by members of his family when he left behind.

Saddened by the demise of S M Krishna, senior public leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka. He served as our External Affairs Minister, too.

He was known for his significant contributions to the State and the national polity. His reforms and achievements brought him…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 10, 2024

Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna was an Indian politician popularly known as S.M. Krishna. He was born on May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli, Mandya district, Karnataka. In 1962, Krishna started his political life as an elected member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Krishna was also Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1993 to 1994 and served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004. From 2004 to 2008, Krishna served as the Governor of Maharashtra.

Perhaps Krishna’s tenure as Chief Minister would be especially noted for his efforts to make Bengaluru a global IT hub. His policies and initiatives played a decisive role in getting Bengaluru placed as India’s Silicon Valley and inviting giant tech companies as well as a stirring hub of startups.His Contributions to National Politics

In addition to his state levels, he made a positive impact on national politics: Krishna, External Affairs Minister of India from 2009 to 2012 at the beginning of the Indian United Progressive Alliance government during the headship of then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Strengthened India’s diplomatic relations with lots of foreign countries during his tenure.

 S.M. Krishna’s political career spanned more than six decades, during which he was affiliated with both the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He joined the BJP in 2017 after being affiliated with the Congress for a long time, citing a need for a new direction in his political life.

Political leaders, business personalities, and people have paid rich tributes to Krishna after his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as an “outstanding leader” who contributed much to the development of Karnataka and the nation. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai declared a three-day state mourning in the name of Krishna’s legacy.

Founder of Biocon Limited Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw praised Krishna’s visionary leadership, saying that his policies had set the base for Bengaluru to become the world’s IT capital. Many credit Krishna for the promotion of e-governance and industrial reforms, which had left a long-lasting impact on the economy of the state.

 S.M. Krishna was a dedicated public servant well beyond the boundaries of political life. A Fulbright Scholar, Krishna was further educated with degrees in law at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and The George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C. His academic pedigree and international exposure gave shape to his ideas of governance and diplomacy.

He leaves behind his wife, Prema, and two daughters, Malavika and Shambhavi. His contributions to Indian politics and society will be remembered for generations to come.

The funeral procession will be in his hometown, Maddur, where he will be given full state honors as he is laid to rest. Karnataka and the nation will thus bid farewell to one of its towering figures of Indian politics; in his legacy lie inspiring leadership, vision, and service.