Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, widely known as S.M. Krishna, a towering figure in Karnataka politics and one of India’s most distinguished statesmen, passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 92. The former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Union Minister, Krishna was suffering from age-related health issues. His demise marks the end of an illustrious political career spanning over six decades.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born on May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli, Mandya district, S.M. Krishna began his political journey in the 1960s. His first major victory came in 1962 when he won the Maddur assembly seat as an independent candidate, defeating a prominent Congress leader. Throughout his career, Krishna demonstrated exceptional political acumen, aligning with the Praja Socialist Party before joining the Indian National Congress in 1971.
Transformative Leadership as Karnataka’s Chief Minister
S.M. Krishna served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from October 1999 to May 2004, a period that witnessed the remarkable transformation of Bengaluru into “India’s Silicon Valley.” His visionary policies laid the groundwork for the IT revolution in Karnataka. Krishna established the Karnataka Information Technology Development Centre (KITDC), which became a catalyst for attracting global IT companies to Bengaluru, creating thousands of jobs and placing Karnataka on the global technology map.
Under Krishna’s leadership, Bengaluru emerged as a hub for innovation, drawing talent from across the country. His focus on modern infrastructure, education, and public-private partnerships ensured sustainable growth for the state. Leaders from both within and outside Karnataka often credited him for his forward-thinking approach to governance.
National Contributions
Beyond his achievements in Karnataka, S.M. Krishna held several prominent roles at the national level. As the Union Minister for External Affairs from 2009 to 2012, he played a significant role in strengthening India’s diplomatic ties with other nations. Earlier, he served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008, earning respect for his balanced and inclusive leadership style.
In March 2017, Krishna left the Congress party to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing ideological differences. Even after announcing his retirement from active politics in January 2023, he remained an influential figure and an elder statesman admired across party lines.
Recognition and Awards
S.M. Krishna was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor, in 2023 for his invaluable contributions to public service and governance. This recognition stands as a testament to his impact on Indian politics and his enduring legacy in Karnataka.
Tributes Pour In for S.M. Krishna
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following the news of S.M. Krishna’s passing. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed profound grief, stating, “Karnataka will always be indebted to him for his contribution to the IT-BT sector.” Leaders across the nation hailed him as a statesman, reformer, and a unifying force in Indian politics.
Krishna is survived by his wife, Prema, and two daughters, Malavika and Shambhavi. His mortal remains will be taken to Maddur for the final rites, as per the family’s wishes.
Legacy of S.M. Krishna
S.M. Krishna’s enduring legacy lies in his transformative leadership and his commitment to the development of Karnataka. His efforts in shaping Bengaluru as a global IT hub have left an indelible mark on the state’s economy and its people. His visionary policies continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
Reflecting on His Life
At this critical juncture, S.M. Krishna’s death serves as a moment of reflection on the power of visionary leadership. His emphasis on dialogue, collaboration, and empathy in governance highlights the importance of building bridges over walls. His passing is not only a loss for Karnataka but for the entire nation.
As we honor his memory, let us reflect on how we can foster dialogue and innovation within our communities, ensuring that leaders like S.M. Krishna continue to inspire positive change. How do you think we can carry forward his legacy of inclusiveness and development? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
