Mangaluru: Former chief minister and former external affairs minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna died here early on Tuesday, leaving behind a rich legacy of statesmanship and public service that saw the 92 year-old leader scale heights of political achievements. Tributes poured in for the leader who was known for his visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to Karnataka’s IT-BT sector.
The Karnataka government announced a three day state mourning as a mark of respect to the veteran leader. His last rites will be performed with full state honours at his native in Mandya district on Wednesday. The state mourning is from December 10 to 12, an official notification said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues S. Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress president Mallijkarjun Kharge and other leaders paid rich tributes to Krishna.
“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 is fondly remembered for his tenure as Karnataka’s chief minister, particularly for his focus on infrastructural development. S.M. Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker,” Modi said in a post on X.
Kharge hailed the former chief minister as a true champion of development who made significant contributions to the state and the nation. “His vision, dedication and exceptional public service played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s progress, while his approach to balance welfare with development placed a global stamp on Bengaluru’s transformative paradigm. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and followers,” he posted on X.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah posted on X, “I am deeply shocked by the demise of former chief minister S.M. Krishna. His contributions as a state and central minister, and especially as chief minister, are unparalleled. Karnataka will always remain indebted to him for his remarkable contributions to the development of the IT-BT sector”.
The Chief Minister added, “As a statesman and seasoned politician, Krishna was a leader without enemies. During my early days in the Congress party, he served as my mentor and was always a well-wisher. Krishna’s visionary leadership, disciplined life, dignified demeanor, and intellectual pursuits are a model for aspiring politicians”.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also paid tributes to the leader and recalled his their time together during Krishna’s political peak. “He was my mentor, guiding me when I faltered, correcting my mistakes, and encouraging me for my achievements. His thoughts and ideas bridged generations and inspired both the young and the old,” he said in a media statement.
The Congress leader further added, “He was an internationally acclaimed statesman and the visionary leader who brought Bengaluru its reputation as the Silicon City. The loss of my political mentor, S.M. Krishna, is a personal and political blow. Karnataka has lost a guiding star in its political arena”.
He described Krishna as a refined and educated leader, a visionary, and a man without enemies.
“Step by step, he ascended the political ladder with caution and dedication. He transformed Bengaluru, the city founded by Kempegowda, into a global hub, earning it the title of Silicon City and making it a major contributor to the country’s economy,” he recalled.
Haveri MP and former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed deep sorrow and shock over the demise of Krishna, calling him one of the most intelligent and respected leaders the state has ever seen, who belonged to the pre-Independence era.
“The nation has lost a senior guide with S.M. Krishna’s passing. He lived a life of integrity and served as an inspiration to all. After completing his education abroad, he upheld his socialist ideals. His exemplary career spanned all four legislative bodies—Assembly, Council, Lok Sabha, and Rajya Sabha. He served Karnataka and the nation in various capacities, including as a minister, chief minister, governor of Maharashtra, and Union minister,” Bommai said.
He praised Krishna for being a role model for politicians and a guiding light for administrators, highlighting his measured speech, dignified conduct, and commitment to development.
“His contributions to Karnataka’s growth, especially in the development of Bengaluru and the IT-BT sectors, are immense. The mid-day meal scheme he introduced was highly successful. Despite holding key positions, he maintained his integrity and led a life of self-respect,” Bommai recalled.
Rural development and panchayat raj minister Priyank Kharge stated that Krishna’s vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress and his corporate approach towards governance for Bengaluru endeared him to many.
“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 his contributions continue to inspire generations to come,” he said.
Leader of the opposition in Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka stated that Karnataka lost a great statesman who was an epitome of grace, vision, and dignity. “Karnataka and especially Bengaluru will forever remain indebted to him for his vital role in shaping Bengaluru as the silicon valley of India,” he added.
State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra defined S.M. Krishna as a statesman who exemplified disciplined and progressive governance and left an indelible mark on Karnataka’s history with his dignified and noble demeanor.
“A proud Kannadiga who held significant positions in both state and national politics, S.M. Krishna made an eternal mark in history. As Chief Minister, his contributions to Karnataka's development, especially in transforming Bengaluru into the Silicon City, will remain unforgettable. Krishna served with distinction in the Union Cabinet, handling critical portfolios like External Affairs, and later as the Governor of Maharashtra. A bridge spanning four generations of politics, he embodied the values of cultural refinement and proactive leadership until his last breath. Throughout his illustrious political career, Krishna remained a paragon of integrity, untainted by any blemish,” he stated on X.
