Former Karnataka Chief Minister S M Krishna Passes Away at 92

Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, a veteran Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the age of 92. Krishna, who was instrumental in transforming Bengaluru into the Silicon Valley of India, breathed his last at his residence in Bengaluru around 2:45 am after a period of illness.

Krishna had a distinguished career in politics, serving as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from October 11, 1999, to May 20, 2004. During his tenure, he focused on growing the IT sector in Bengaluru, a move that is credited with turning the city into a major technological hub. He also served as the Minister of External Affairs from 2009 to 2012 and as the Governor of Maharashtra from December 6, 2004, to March 8, 2008.

Born on May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli village in Maddur taluk, Krishna pursued his education in Mysuru and later in the United States, where he was a Fulbright scholar. He started his political career as an independent MLA from Maddur in 1962 and went on to hold various positions, including Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha member, Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly, and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Krishna was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honor, in 2023 for his significant contributions to Indian politics over a career spanning six decades. He was known for his diverse interests, including designing men’s clothes and playing tennis.

After a long association with the Congress party, Krishna joined the BJP in 2017. His legacy in Karnataka and his role in shaping Bengaluru’s technological landscape are widely acknowledged.