Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, a distinguished leader and former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away at the age of 92. Known for his towering contributions to Indian politics, Krishna's legacy spans over six decades.
He played pivotal roles as External Affairs Minister, Chief Minister of Karnataka, and Governor of Maharashtra. His demise marks the end of an era in Indian political history.
Born on 1 May 1932, Krishna began his illustrious career with a vision for progress and innovation. He served as Karnataka's Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004, during which he transformed Bengaluru into a hub of technology and innovation, earning it the title of India's Silicon Valley.
His forward-thinking governance and corporate-style approach helped position Bengaluru as a global city, laying the foundation for its emergence as a leading technology hub.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge expressed deep sorrow over Krishna’s passing, emphasising his significant contributions to the state's development. In a heartfelt message, Kharge described Krishna as a visionary leader whose work continues to benefit Karnataka.
Reflecting on his legacy, he remarked on Krishna’s role in shaping the state’s progress and his enduring impact on governance and public service.
Krishna’s career extended beyond state politics. He served as India’s External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening India’s diplomatic and economic ties with various nations.
Notable among his foreign visits was his trip to Tajikistan in 2012, aimed at enhancing energy and economic cooperation. His time as EAM was marked by efforts to bolster India’s presence on the global stage.
In addition to his role as Karnataka’s Chief Minister and India’s EAM, Krishna also served as the 19th Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008.
His multifaceted contributions to governance and public service earned him widespread respect and recognition. Earlier this year, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in acknowledgment of his remarkable career.
Krishna’s political journey took a turn in 2017 when he parted ways with the Congress party, which he had been associated with for decades, and joined the BJP. Despite the shift in political allegiance, his commitment to serving the people remained unwavering.
Beyond his political achievements, Krishna was admired for his leadership, vision, and dedication to public service. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Karnataka and India. His emphasis on modernisation and development has inspired generations of leaders and will continue to do so for years to come.
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