Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, a prominent figure in Karnataka politics and former Chief Minister, passed away on December 10, 2024, at his residence in Bengaluru. He was 92 years old and had been suffering from age-related health issues for some time. His death marks the end of a remarkable political career that spanned over six decades.
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born on May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli, Mandya district, Krishna began his political journey in the early 1960s. He first made headlines by winning the Maddur assembly seat as an independent candidate in 1962, defeating a Congress stalwart. Over the years, he aligned with various political parties, including the Praja Socialist Party before joining the Indian National Congress in 1971.
Political Career and Contributions
Krishna served as Chief Minister of Karnataka from October 1999 to May 2004, during which he laid the foundation for Bengaluru’s transformation into “India’s Silicon Valley.” He championed policies that promoted the IT sector, attracting investments and creating job opportunities for thousands of youth. His vision led to initiatives like the Karnataka Information Technology Development Centre (KITDC), which played a crucial role in fostering IT growth in the state.
Beyond his role as Chief Minister, Krishna held several key positions at the national level. He served as Union Minister for External Affairs from 2009 to 2012 and was Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. His diplomatic efforts during this time significantly strengthened India’s relations with various countries.In March 2017, Krishna left the Congress party after nearly fifty years to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In January 2023, he announced his retirement from active politics but remained a respected elder statesman within political circles.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his extensive contributions to public service and politics, Krishna was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2023. His achievements have been celebrated not only by political leaders but also by citizens who benefited from his policies.
Tributes and Legacy
Following his passing, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over Krishna’s demise, stating that “Karnataka will always be indebted to him for his contribution to the growth of the IT-BT sector.” Many leaders acknowledged his statesmanship and ability to bridge divides within politics.Krishna is survived by his wife Prema and two daughters, Malavika and Shambhavi. His family confirmed that his mortal remains would be taken to Maddur for final rites.
S.M. Krishna’s legacy is characterised by his commitment to public service and transformative leadership. His efforts in promoting Karnataka’s economic growth through IT development have left a lasting impact on the state and its people.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that S.M. Krishna’s life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dialogue, kindness, and empathy in politics. His commitment to fostering growth through collaboration highlights how effective leadership can bring about positive social change. As we reflect on his legacy, we encourage our readers to engage in constructive discussions about how we can continue building harmonious communities that prioritise coexistence over division. How can we honour leaders like S.M. Krishna by fostering dialogue and empathy in our own communities? We invite your thoughts and reflections on this important topic—please share your comments below!