Former Karnataka Chief Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna passed away at his residence early Tuesday morning at the age of 92. According to family sources cited by PTI, the veteran politician was ailing for quite some time.
Karnataka: Former CM S M Krishna Dies At The Age Of 92; Three-Day State Mourning From Dec 10-12
92-year-old Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna was ailing for quite some time, a family source said. Krishna served as the 16th Chief Minister of Karnataka. After a long stint in the Congress, Krishna joined the BJP towards the fag end of his political career.
"S.M. Krishna is no more. He breathed his last at 2:45 am at his residence. Mortal remains are likely to be taken to Maddur today," PTI quoted the source saying.
Krishna served as the 16th Chief Minister of Karnataka from October 11, 1999, to May 28, 2004, (from Congress). In January last year, Krishna announced that he was retiring from active politics, citing his age as the reason. He was survived by wife Prema and two daughters.
His last rites will be performed with full state honours at his native in Mandya district on Wednesday. The three-day state mourning has been announced as a mark of respect to the veteran leader.
Who was S.M. Krishna?
Karishna was born in Somanahalli in Karnataka's Mandya district on May 1, 1932. He began his career in electoral politics in 1962 by winning the Maddur assembly seat as an independent.
He was then associated with the Praja Socialist Party before joining the Congress.Later, he joined the BJP in March 2017, ending his nearly 50-year-long association with the Congress.
Besides, Krishna also served as the Governor of Maharashtra and was the External Affairs Minister during the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2009 to 2012.
A law graduate, Krishna studied in the US. He graduated from the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and The George Washington University Law School in Washington DC, where he was a Fulbright Scholar.
Krishna served as the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from December 1989 to January 1993. He was also a member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha several times between 1971 and 2014.
Reactions pouring in
Condolence messages poured in from across the country following the death of the former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the passing of Krishna and said he was a remarkable leader admired by people from all walks of life.
"Shri S M 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 said in a post on X.
Recalling that he has had many opportunities to interact with Krishna over the years, Modi said he will always cherish those interactions.
"He is fondly remembered for his tenure as Karnataka's Chief Minister, particularly for his focus on infrastructural development. Shri SM Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker," the PM said.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot expressed grief over Krishna's death. In a post on 'X', he said, "Krishna's immense contributions to the development of Karnataka and the nation are unforgettable."
"His loss is irreplaceable. My heartfelt condolences to his family."
Mourning Krishna's death, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on 'X', "His unparalleled contributions as a Union Minister, Chief Minister, and leader have left an indelible mark. Karnataka will forever remain indebted to him, especially for his visionary leadership in transforming the IT-BT sector during his tenure as Chief Minister."
Calling him 'a statesman and a leader without adversaries', the Chief Minister said, "Krishna was a guide and mentor to me during my early days in the Congress party and remained a well-wisher throughout."
His foresight, disciplined life, and kind nature are an inspiration for aspiring politicians, he said.
Hailing Krishna as a "true champion" of development, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X, "Extremely saddened by the passing away of Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Former Union Minister, S M Krishna. A true champion of development, he made significant contributions to the state and the nation."
"It is a personal loss for me, for we worked as colleagues, both at the State and National level," he said.
Expressing grief over Krishna's demise, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of former EAM S M Krishna." Posting a photo of him with Krishna, Jaishankar fondly recalled his many interactions with him during his term as EAM.
"His contributions to the development of Karnataka and as EAM will be vividly remembered. Condolences to his family. Om Shanti," he said.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said former Karnataka CM Krishna has left behind a rich legacy of statesmanship and public service.
In a post on 'X', she said she was "deeply saddened" by the passing of S M Krishna and expressed heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
"He made invaluable contributions to public life, serving with distinction as Chief Minister of Karnataka and Union Minister of External Affairs. He has left behind a rich legacy of Statesmanship and Public Service," she added.
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