File Image
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna died in Bengaluru , leaving behind a rich legacy of statesmanship and public service that saw the 92 year-old leader scale heights of political achievements.
Tributes poured in for the former Maharashtra Governor, who breathed his last at 2.45 am on Tuesday. Krishna had been ailing for quite some time.
The Karnataka government announced a 3-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the veteran leader. His last rites will be performed with full state honours at his native in Mandya district .
The state mourning is from December 10 to 12, an official notification said.
He was chief minister from October 1999 to May 2004 and later served as the Governor of Maharashtra from December 2004 to March 2008. He was inducted as the External Affairs Minister in the Manmohan Singh-led government from May 2009 to October 2012, in the Congress-led UPA II regime.
In 2017, he joined the BJP, ending his nearly 50-year-long association with the Congress. He retired from politics on January 7, 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his cabinet colleagues S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress president Mallijkarjun Kharge, Shashi Tharoor, Rahul Gandhi and other leaders paid rich tributes to Krishna.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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… pic.twitter.com/Wkw25mReeO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 10, 2024
S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister
Deeply saddened by the passing away of former EAM SM Krishna.
Fondly recall my many interactions with him during his term as EAM. His contributions to the development of Karnataka and as EAM will be vividly remembered.
Condolences to his family. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/sotADaldXI
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 10, 2024
Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister
Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri S.M. Krishna Ji.
He made invaluable contributions to public life, serving with distinction as Chief Minister of Karnataka and Union Minister of External Affairs.
He has left behind a rich legacy of Statesmanship and Public Service.… pic.twitter.com/TSwKKg07C6
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) December 10, 2024
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president
Extremely saddened by the passing away of Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Former Union Minister, Shri S M Krishna. A true champion of development, he made significant contributions to the state and the nation.
It is a personal loss for me, for we worked as colleagues,… pic.twitter.com/0Pj61Y09Um
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 10, 2024
Shashi Tharoor, Senior Congress Leader
Saddened by news of the passing of Shri S.M. Krishna, veteran Congressman, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Governor of Maharashtra and External Affairs Minister (in which capacity i worked under him, see pic). Always courteous, dignified and steeped in the politics of… pic.twitter.com/vLdzOfVzS3
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 10, 2024
Rahul Gandhi, Leader Of Opposition , Lok Sabha
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.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 10, 2024
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin
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… pic.twitter.com/BTvUsHqvtA
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 10, 2024
Siddaramaia, Karnataka Chief Minister
Saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister Shri S.M. Krishna. His unparalleled contributions as a Union Minister, Chief Minister, and leader have left an indelible mark. Karnataka will forever remain indebted to him, especially for his visionary leadership in transforming… pic.twitter.com/r2N3tt9ngA
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 10, 2024
