SM Krishna, former Karnataka CM and IT visionary, dies at 92

SM Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka and a pivotal figure in transforming Bengaluru into a global IT hub, passed away on December 10 at the age of 92. He died at his Bengaluru residence around 2:45 AM due to age-related health complications.

The Karnataka government has declared a three-day state mourning from December 10 to 12 in tribute to Krishna’s contributions. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast, and official entertainment programs will be suspended. His last rites will be conducted with full state honors in his native village of Somanahalli, Mandya district, on December 11.

Born on May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli, Mandya district, Krishna began his education at Maharaja’s College in Mysuru and later studied law at the Government Law College in Bengaluru. He went on to pursue graduate studies in the United States, completing programs at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., as a Fulbright scholar. His political career began in 1962 when he won the Maddur Assembly seat as an Independent candidate, defeating the Congress candidate KV Shankar Gowda. He joined the Congress in 1971 after a brief stint with the Praja Socialist Party.

Krishna's career spanned over six decades, during which he held several significant positions. He was elected multiple times as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), and Member of Parliament (MP) in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. His tenure as Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004 is most remembered for his focus on infrastructure and the promotion of the IT and biotechnology sectors. Under his leadership, Bengaluru became a major IT hub, with numerous multinational companies setting up offices in the city. His government implemented policies that supported the growth of the technology industry and invested in critical infrastructure projects, including the first flyover in Bengaluru.

Krishna’s tenure as Chief Minister also faced significant challenges. These included the Abdul Karim Telgi stamp paper scam, which surfaced during his administration, as well as the abduction of film actor Rajkumar by forest brigand Veerappan. Additionally, the state faced tension with Tamil Nadu over the contentious Cauvery water dispute. Despite these controversies, Krishna's contributions to the state’s development were largely acknowledged, particularly in urban infrastructure and technology.

After his term as Chief Minister, Krishna served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. In 2009, he was appointed as the External Affairs Minister in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, a position he held until 2012. During this time, Krishna played a key role in strengthening India’s foreign relations, particularly with neighboring countries.

In 2017, Krishna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), citing his grievances with the Congress party. His later years in politics were marked by reduced influence in both state and national politics. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2000 for his contributions to public service.

Krishna’s political legacy remains significant, particularly for his role in Bengaluru’s rise as an IT capital and his leadership during a transformative period in Karnataka’s history. He is also remembered for his disciplined personal life, intellectual pursuits, and contributions to Karnataka’s political landscape. His death marks the end of a distinguished career that spanned decades and left a lasting impact on the state and the nation.