A political giant, an able statesman, a visionary administrator, a harbinger of reforms, a charismatic leader — Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna (S.M. Krishna), the former Chief Minister of Karnataka and former External Affairs Minister, was all this and more.
The 92-year-old Congress veteran-turned-BJP senior leader passed away at his residence in Bengaluru on December 10, 2024, following prolonged ailment, according to family sources.
S.M. Krishna is well-regarded for not only laying a strong foundation for the growth of IT and BT industries in Karnataka but also managing to get them onboard with the government to build “Brand Bengaluru” at the international level. He earned the reputation of being a reformist icon with a focus on development at a time when populism and caste politics dominated the scene.
He 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. His tenure in handling Indian diplomacy was particularly difficult as the government pressed Pakistan for accountability over the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The news of his demise was met with an outpouring of grief, with political leaders cutting across party lines and the industry fraternity condoling the former CM’s passing. Here’s a collection of stories, reflections and tributes on the legacy left behind by S.M. Krishna
Remove
SEE ALL