SM Krishna, ex-EAM & architect of Bengaluru’s IT revolution, dies at 92
Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and seasoned statesman Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, fondly known as SM Krishna, passed away early Tuesday at the age of 92. The veteran leader, whose political career spanned over five decades, left behind a storied legacy of statesmanship, infrastructural vision, and public service.
Krishna breathed his last at 2:45 am after a prolonged illness, leaving the political landscape of Karnataka and India in mourning. The Karnataka government declared a three-day state mourning from December 10 to 12 as a mark of respect to the iconic leader. His last rites will be performed with full state honours in his native village in Mandya district on Wednesday.
Leaders across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed their condolences. Prime Minister Modi praised Krishna as a “remarkable leader” whose tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister was marked by a strong focus on infrastructure development and transformative growth.
“Shri SM Krishna Ji worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. His vision for Bengaluru as an IT hub remains an enduring legacy,” Modi wrote on X.
Kharge described Krishna as a “true champion of development” who placed Karnataka on the global map. “His approach to balance welfare with development transformed Bengaluru into a global tech hub,” Kharge added.
In the ongoing Karnataka Assembly session in Belagavi, leaders from all parties remembered Krishna as a “gentleman politician” and lauded his pivotal role in making Bengaluru the Silicon Valley of India.
SM Krishna held a variety of key positions in his long political career. He began as an independent MLA from Maddur in 1962, defeating Congress stalwart KV Shankar Gowda. He later associated with the Praja Socialist Party before joining the Congress, where he rose through the ranks. Krishna served as Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004, External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012, and Governor of Maharashtra between 2004 and 2008.
Beyond politics, Krishna’s contributions extended to academia and sports. He was a professor of International Law at Renukacharya Law College and an ardent tennis enthusiast, serving as president of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) from 1999 to 2020. Under his leadership, KSLTA expanded international tennis tournaments to various districts in Karnataka.
Born on May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli, Mandya district, Krishna was renowned for his academic brilliance. He graduated from Maharaja’s College in Mysuru and earned a law degree from the Government Law College in Bengaluru. Later, he pursued advanced studies at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and George Washington University in Washington, DC, as a Fulbright Scholar.
During his time in the US, Krishna campaigned for Democrat John F Kennedy during the 1960 presidential election. His efforts earned Kennedy’s gratitude, exemplified by a heartfelt thank-you letter acknowledging Krishna’s role in mobilising the Indian diaspora.
In 1968, Krishna made his parliamentary debut as a Socialist MP, becoming a member of the Fourth Lok Sabha. His early years in national politics saw him championing industry and commerce as a Minister of State.
Krishna’s tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister (1999–2004) is widely regarded as transformative. Under his leadership, Bengaluru emerged as a global IT hub, attracting investments and creating employment for thousands. He championed projects like the Bengaluru International Airport and encouraged infrastructure development that placed the city on the global map. “He played a proactive role in putting Bengaluru on the global map,” said a senior IT industry executive. “His support for the tech sector helped Bengaluru evolve into a Silicon Valley of the East.”
Krishna also modernised Karnataka’s governance by promoting e-governance initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation. His balanced approach to welfare and development earned him accolades from across the political spectrum.
Krishna’s career included stints as a Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister, and Union Minister. He also served two terms in the Lok Sabha and represented Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha for six years.
As External Affairs Minister, Krishna played a key role in strengthening India’s global diplomatic presence, although his tenure was not without controversies. He was criticised for reading the wrong speech at a UN meeting and faced challenges during high-stakes negotiations with neighbouring countries. Nevertheless, he was lauded for his efforts to advance India’s foreign policy interests.
In 2017, Krishna made a surprising move by joining the BJP, ending his nearly five-decade-long association with the Congress. While his decision was seen as a departure from his political roots, Krishna cited his desire to support development-orientated politics as the motivation.
On January 7, 2023, he announced his retirement from public life, bringing an illustrious career to a close.
A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Krishna played competitively during his college days and actively promoted the sport in Karnataka. Under his leadership, KSLTA expanded its reach to districts like Tumkur, Dharwad, and Gulbarga.
Krishna is survived by his wife, Prema Krishna, and two daughters, Malavika Krishna and Shambhavi Krishna.
