Former External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Passes Away at 91 in Bengaluru
Demise of a Stalwart Leader
Former External Affairs Minister and Karnataka Chief Minister, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, passed away in Bengaluru in the early hours of Monday at the age of 91. He breathed his last at his residence due to age-related ailments.
Political Journey
S.M. Krishna began his political career in 1962, winning the Maddur constituency as an independent MLA. Over the decades, he held numerous key positions, including:
- Cabinet Minister under Indira Gandhi.
- Industry and Finance Minister during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure.
- Speaker and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka in 1989.
- Chief Minister of Karnataka (1999–2004), where he earned the title of the Father of Modern Karnataka.
- Governor of Maharashtra (2004–2008).
- External Affairs Minister under the UPA government (2009–2012).
A lifelong Congress member, he joined the BJP in 2017 and was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2023 for his contributions to public service.
Educational Background
S.M. Krishna pursued his education in law, earning his LLB from Bangalore’s Government Law College. He furthered his studies in the U.S., graduating from Southern Methodist University in Texas and specializing in law at the University of Washington, D.C.
Personal Life
Born in Maddur, Karnataka, Krishna was a lawyer by profession before entering politics. He married Prema Krishna in 1964, with whom he shared a remarkable journey of over five decades.
S.M. Krishna will be remembered for his pivotal role in shaping modern Karnataka and his exceptional leadership across diverse portfolios.
