New Delhi: S.M. Krishna, former external affairs minister and Karnataka chief minister, passed away today, December 10. He was 92.
The news agency PTI has quoted a family source as having said that he was ailing for some time.
Krishna was born in Karnataka’s Mandya district in 1932. He first won the Maddur state assembly seat in 1962 as an independent.
Krishna was a part of the Congress party for nearly five decades till 2017, when he left to join the Bharatiya Janata Party. By 2023, he had retired from active politics.
Between 1999 and 2004, Krishna was Karnataka chief minister. He was the governor of Maharashtra between 2004 and 2008. Between 2009 and 2012, he was external affairs minister.
Krishna is a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest Indian civilian award.
The Karnataka government has announced a three-day mourning period. Government offices, schools and colleges will be closed on December 11.
Tributes have poured in from politicians and Bengaluru public figures.
ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳು, ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಯಕರು ಹಾಗೂ ಪದ್ಮ ವಿಭೂಷಣ ಶ್ರೀ ಎಸ್.ಎಂ. ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಹುಟ್ಟುಹಬ್ಬದ ಹಾರ್ದಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು. ಭಗವಂತನು ತಮಗೆ ಆಯುರಾರೋಗ್ಯ ಕರುಣಿಸಲಿ ಎಂದು ಶುಭ ಹಾರೈಸುತ್ತೇನೆ. #SMKrishna pic.twitter.com/5O1ATZILR7
Advertisement— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 1, 2024
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
Advertisement— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) December 10, 2024
I am saddened by the passing away of Shri. SM Krishna, my friend and longtime Karnataka colleague. We started out in politics around the same time, and cultivated very different approaches to development and governance. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/CzuOFjAW1j
— H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) December 10, 2024
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
Deeply saddened by the passing away of former EAM SM Krishna.
Fondly recall my 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. pic.twitter.com/sotADaldXI
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 10, 2024
Anguished by the passing away of former Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri SM Krishna ji. He was active in public life for many years and worked extensively among people. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his bereaved family. Om Shanti!
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 10, 2024
A Leader. A Visionary.#SMKrishna stands as an enduring beacon in Karnataka politics – a true Kannadiga who dedicated his life to the progress and prosperity of our state. With unwavering commitment, he worked tirelessly for Karnataka’s growth and played a pivotal role in… pic.twitter.com/If5ZzVDUhe
— DK Suresh (@DKSureshINC) December 10, 2024
