S M Krishna, Former Karnataka CM and MEA, Dies at 92
SM Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka and External Affairs Minister, passed away early Tuesday morning at his residence in Bengaluru, according to his family. The 92-year-old political figure had been unwell for a while and had been receiving treatment for age-related health issues.
In 2023, Krishna was honored with the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his significant contributions to Indian politics over a career that spanned six decades.
He played an active role in the first elections in Karnataka after returning from the United States and became a key figure in the state's political landscape.
Leaders Express Condolences Over Krishna's Passing
Political leaders and celebrities from Karnataka and across the nation expressed their condolences following the death of the seasoned politician. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted that his vision and commitment played a key role in shaping the state's progress, while his corporate approach to governance in Bengaluru earned him the admiration of many.
Who is S. M. Krishna?
S. M. Krishna is an Indian politician and former diplomat who served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004. A member of the Indian National Congress (INC), Krishna is known for his significant contributions to both state and national politics. Before his tenure as Karnataka's CM, he served as the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) from 2009 to 2012 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Krishna’s leadership in Karnataka was marked by a focus on infrastructure development, economic growth, and efforts to position the state as a leading IT hub. Under his governance, Karnataka saw improvements in sectors such as education and technology, with Bangalore emerging as a global IT destination. His tenure also witnessed progress in irrigation and rural development.
As the MEA, Krishna played a key role in strengthening India’s diplomatic relations, particularly with neighboring countries and global powers. He was instrumental in shaping India’s foreign policy during his time in office, dealing with significant issues such as the Indo-US nuclear deal and regional security.
Krishna's political career has been long and distinguished, with a reputation for being a pragmatic and experienced statesman, contributing to both domestic governance and India’s global standing.