Tue Dec 10 14:01:58 UTC 2024: ## Veteran Indian Politician SM Krishna Passes Away at 92

**Bengaluru, India** – SM Krishna, a prominent figure in Indian politics who served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister and India’s External Affairs Minister, passed away Tuesday at the age of 92. His death marks the end of a six-decade-long career marked by both significant achievements and a controversial departure from the Indian National Congress party.

Krishna, often hailed as the “Architect of Brand Bengaluru” for his role in developing India’s IT capital, left the Congress party in 2017 after 46 years, citing his sidelining due to age and a growing disillusionment with the party’s direction. He described the decision as painful but necessary to preserve his self-respect and dignity. He later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

His resignation followed a period of decreased influence within the Congress, beginning with his removal as External Affairs Minister in 2012 after an incident at the United Nations where he mistakenly read a statement belonging to another country’s minister. Krishna believed the Congress prioritized managers over leaders with mass appeal and criticized the party’s handling of his departure.

Despite the controversies surrounding his later years, Krishna’s legacy remains significant. He served as Chief Minister of Karnataka, Governor of Maharashtra, and played a crucial role in shaping Bengaluru’s technological growth. His political career began in 1962, with election to the legislative assembly, eventually leading to his parliamentary debut in 1968.

Krishna’s passing is mourned across India as the end of an era for a man who significantly impacted both state and national politics. His life and career serve as a reminder of the complexities of power, loyalty, and the ever-shifting landscape of Indian political life.

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