Tue Dec 10 14:01:59 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Indian Politician and Former Foreign Minister SM Krishna Passes Away at 92

**Bengaluru, India** – S.M. Krishna, a prominent figure in Indian politics who served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister and India’s External Affairs Minister, passed away Tuesday morning at his Bengaluru residence at the age of 92. The cause of death was attributed to age-related ailments.

Krishna’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, praising Krishna’s tireless work for the betterment of others and his focus on infrastructure development during his time as Chief Minister of Karnataka. He lauded Krishna as a “remarkable leader, admired by people from all walks of life.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also offered his condolences, recalling fond memories of his interactions with the late leader.

Born on May 1, 1932, in Maddur, Karnataka, Krishna possessed a distinguished academic background, holding advanced degrees from Southern Methodist University in Texas and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. A recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship, he was known for his intellectual depth and administrative skills.

His political career spanned over five decades. He served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004, playing a pivotal role in transforming Bengaluru into a global IT hub. His tenure as External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 further solidified his reputation as a skilled diplomat. He also held the position of Governor of Maharashtra (2004-2008) and Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly (1989-1993).

Initially a prominent Congress leader, Krishna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017, citing ideological differences. He remained an influential figure in Karnataka politics until his retirement. In 2023, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his distinguished service to the nation.

Leaders across Karnataka and India mourned his passing. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge highlighted Krishna’s vision and commitment to the state’s progress, particularly his corporate-friendly approach to governance in Bengaluru. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded Krishna’s invaluable service as Chief Minister and Union Minister, emphasizing Karnataka’s enduring gratitude for his contributions to the growth of the IT and BT sectors. Krishna’s legacy as a visionary leader and dedicated public servant will continue to inspire future generations.

Read More