Fri Dec 13 08:27:30 UTC 2024: ## Former Karnataka CM and Union Minister S.M. Krishna Passes Away at 92
**Bengaluru, India –** S.M. Krishna, a prominent figure in Karnataka politics who served as Chief Minister and Union External Affairs Minister, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92. Known for his sophisticated demeanor and earning the moniker “Texas Gowda” due to his education in the US, Krishna played a significant role in shaping Karnataka’s political landscape.
Krishna entered politics in 1962 after obtaining law degrees from American universities. He rose through the ranks, winning the Mandya Lok Sabha seat three times. His tenure as Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004 is widely considered his most successful period. He is credited with significantly boosting Bengaluru’s profile as a global IT hub, spearheading infrastructure projects and attracting international investment. However, this focus on Bengaluru allegedly alienated rural voters, contributing to his electoral defeat in 2004.
Krishna’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. While lauded for his administrative skills and public relations acumen, his tenure as CM also saw allegations of favoring elite interests through initiatives like the Bangalore Agenda Task Force. His later years included a stint as Governor of Maharashtra, a controversial appointment as External Affairs Minister, and a surprise switch to the BJP in 2017, a move speculated to be linked to protecting his son-in-law’s business interests. His final years were marked by a gradual withdrawal from active politics.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of his long career. While some praised his contribution to Bengaluru’s development, others pointed to the controversies surrounding his administration and political allegiances. The contrasting perspectives underscore the complexities of his legacy and his enduring impact on Karnataka’s political history.
First Piper 