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“Beacon of development”: How political leaders remember late SM Krishna

LoP in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka said the state, especially Bengaluru will forever remain indebted to Krishna.

South First Desk

Published Dec 10, 2024 | 10:11 AM ⚊ Updated Dec 10, 2024 | 2:05 PM

SM Krishna.

SM Krishna.

After battling with age-related ailments for long, former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna breathed his last on Tuesday, 10 December. Following his demise leaders across political lines paid homage to the former Union minister and remembered him as the force behind the development of Bengaluru as the Silicon Valley of India.

Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka said the state, especially Bengaluru will forever remain indebted to him for his vital role in shaping the city as the Silicon Valley of India.

“In the demise of former Chief Minister Shri SM Krishna, Karnataka has lost a great statesman who was an epitome of grace, vision, and dignity. Karnataka and especially Bengaluru will forever remain indebted to him for his vital role in shaping Bengaluru as the Silicon Valley of India. Praying for the sadgati of the departed soul. My condolences to his family members. Om Shanti,” Ashoka said in a post on X.

Krishna was the Karnataka chief minister from 1999 to 2004, and played a pivotal role in transforming Bengaluru into a global IT hub. He was also the External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 under the UPA government.

Related: Former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna passes away at 92

Leaders offer condolences

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu offered condolences to the family of Krishna and said the latter always prioritised the welfare of the people.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Karnataka Chief Minister, Sri SM Krishna Garu. Our friendship transcended the competitive spirit we shared in attracting investments to our respective states. He was a true leader who always prioritized the welfare of his people. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” Naidu said on X.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said his contributions are unparalleled.

“Saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister Shri S.M. Krishna. His unparalleled contributions has left a lasting mark on Karnataka, particularly putting Brand Bengaluru on the global map. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace,” Parameshwara said.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said Krishna guided him in his political journey.

“Former Chief Minister and former Union Minister Mr. SM. Krishna’s death has caused great pain in the mind. He has contributed a lot to the progress of Karnataka. He also guided my political development. I pray that his soul rest in peace. My condolences to the bereaved family,” he said in a post on X.

Former chief minister BS Yediyurappa said Karnataka would forever remember Krishna.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of veteran leader, former Chief and Union Minister, and dear friend, Shri S.M. Krishna. A true statesman and stalwart, his invaluable contributions to our nation and Karnataka will forever be remembered. I feel a sense of deep personal loss. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” he said.

Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai remembered Krishna as a soft-spoken and mild-mannered person.

“Very sad to hear the news of former Chief Minister and Union Minister SM Krishna’s demise. Soft-spoken and mild-mannered, SM Krishna has made his mark in state and national politics for nearly six decades and is a role model for today’s politicians,” Bommai said on X.

“He had brought world recognition to Bangalore by bringing IT BT companies to Bangalore. His passing away is like losing a mentor in state and national politics. His death has caused me great pain personally and I pray that God bless his family and his huge fans with the strength to bear his loss and may his soul rest in peace,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Shri SM Krishna Ji was a remarkable leader, admired by people from all walks of life. He always worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. He is fondly remembered for his tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, particularly for his focus on infrastructural development. Shri SM Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker.”

‘Steered Karnataka’s growth’

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said Krishna steered Karnataka towards progress.

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Thiru. S.M. Krishna avaru, a visionary leader and a stalwart of Indian politics. As Karnataka’s Chief Minister, he steered the state towards remarkable progress, and as India’s External Affairs Minister, he strengthened our global standing with statesmanship and grace.vThiru. Krishna shared a close bond with Thalaivar Kalaignar, dating back to the late 1960s, built on mutual respect and a shared vision for regional cooperation and progressive governance,” Stalin said.

“My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and cadre. His remarkable contributions will be remembered for generations to come,” he added.

Leader of Oppostion in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, “Saddened to learn of the passing of Shri S.M. Krishna. His decades of work significantly contributed to Karnataka’s development and Bengaluru’s transformation into a technological hub. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said Krishna contributed immensely to the development of the state and nation.

“The death of former Chief Minister of Karnataka and former Union Minister SM Krishna is deeply painful. Being a dreamer of development, he contributed immensely to the development of the state and nation. The death of SM Krishna, who was my dear friend and colleague at the state and national level, has caused me a personal loss,” he said.

“His vision, commitment and unparalleled public service played a crucial role in the development of Karnataka. The balance he achieved between social welfare and development has made Bangalore recognized globally. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and huge fan base,” Kharge added.

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