Former Foreign Minister SM Krishna passes away aged 92

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

Bengaluru, Dec 10: Former Karnataka Chief Minister, former Maharashtra Governor, and former External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has passed away. He breathed his last at around 2:45 AM today at his residence in Bengaluru. He was 92 years old.

His mortal remains have been kept at his Bengaluru residence for the public to pay their respects. Later, his body will be taken to Maddur.

Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna is survived by his wife, Prema, and their two daughters.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and several prominent leaders have expressed their condolences on the passing of S.M. Krishna.

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“Sad to learn about the demise of Shri S. M. Krishna who served people in various capacities during his long career in public life – from a member of the state assembly and of parliament to a union minister and governor. As chief minister of Karnataka, he earned people’s affection for his commitment to development of the state. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers,” President Murmu posted on X.

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Sad to learn about the demise of Shri S. M. Krishna who served people in various capacities during his long career in public life – from a member of the state assembly and of parliament to a union minister and governor. As chief minister of Karnataka, he earned people’s affection…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 10, 2024

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PM Modi also expressed his respect and condolences on the passing of S.M. Krishna.

“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 SM Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker,” PM Modi posted on X.

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

Who was SM Krishna?

S.M. Krishna was born on May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli, located in Karnataka’s Mandya district, with his full name being Somannahalli Mallaiah Krishna. His father’s name was S.C. Mallaiah. Krishna completed his undergraduate studies at Maharaja College in Mysore and earned a law degree from Government College in Bengaluru. For higher studies, he went to the United States, where he pursued further education and began teaching international law. It was during his time in the U.S. that his interest in active politics grew. He even campaigned for John F. Kennedy’s presidential election.

Upon returning from the U.S., Krishna contested the 1962 Maddur Assembly seat as an independent candidate, defeating the Congress candidate to secure victory. He later joined the Praja Socialist Party and won the Mandya Lok Sabha by-election in 1968. Subsequently, he joined the Congress Party and won the Mandya Lok Sabha seat again in 1971.

Between 1983-84 under Indira Gandhi’s tenure and 1984-85 during Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership, Krishna served as the Minister of State for Industries and Finance. He returned to state politics in 1985, contesting assembly elections. From 1999 to 2004, he served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, and from 2004 to 2008, he held the position of Governor of Maharashtra. During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure, Krishna served as the External Affairs Minister.

In March 2017, S.M. Krishna left the Congress Party and joined the BJP. In January 2023, he retired from politics. That same year, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan by the government.