Karnataka Declares Holiday to Honour S.M. Krishna’s Legacy
BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has declared a holiday on Wednesday for schools, colleges, and government offices to pay tribute to former Chief Minister and Union External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement as a mark of respect for the veteran leader.
A three-day state mourning has also been announced, starting Tuesday. “CM Siddaramaiah announced one-day holiday to schools, colleges, and government offices after S.M. Krishna’s demise,” the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed.
CM Siddaramaiah Remembers S.M. Krishna as a Statesman
Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to X (formerly Twitter) to mourn the loss of S.M. Krishna. He praised Krishna’s disciplined life and his immense contributions to politics and governance.
“A statesman and a leader without adversaries, Shri Krishna was a guide and mentor to me during my early days in the Congress party and remained a well-wisher throughout. His foresight, disciplined life, and kind nature are an inspiration for aspiring politicians. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers in this moment of grief. May his soul rest in peace,” Siddaramaiah wrote.
Public to Pay Respects Before Final Rites in Maddur
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar shared the detailed schedule for Krishna’s last rites. He stated that the public could pay their respects at Krishna’s residence in Bengaluru until 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
“At 8 a.m., the mortal remains will be taken to Maddur, his hometown, and by 10:30 a.m., we will reach Maddur. The public can pay their respects until 3 p.m., after which family rituals will be conducted for an hour. State honours will be presented at 4 p.m., followed by the last rites,” Shivakumar said.
Reflecting on his bond with Krishna, Shivakumar said, “He was like a father to me. What we are today is because of him and his visionary programs. I remember how he struggled during critical moments, like when Rajkumar was kidnapped.”
PM Modi Pays Tribute to S.M. Krishna, Highlights His Visionary Leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the passing of former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna and lauded his contributions to society. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Modi described Krishna as a remarkable leader admired across the spectrum.
“Shri S.M. Krishna Ji was a remarkable leader, admired by people from all walks of life. He always worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others,” Modi wrote.
The Prime Minister highlighted Krishna’s transformative tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, particularly his focus on infrastructure development, which modernized the state.
“He is fondly remembered for his tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, particularly for his focus on infrastructural development. Shri S.M. Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker,” he added.
Expressing deep grief, Modi extended his condolences to Krishna’s family and admirers, saying, “I am deeply saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot Pays Tribute
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot expressed his sorrow and acknowledged Krishna’s invaluable service to Karnataka and the nation.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister and former Union External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna. He served the state and the country with dedication in various capacities, as Union Minister, State Minister, and Governor. His passing is an irreparable loss to the country,” the Governor said.
The Governor extended his condolences to Krishna’s family, stating, “I pray that his family finds the strength to bear this profound grief, and may his soul rest in peace.”
A Visionary Leader’s Legacy
Born in 1932, S.M. Krishna served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from October 11, 1999, to May 28, 2004, and is credited with transforming Bengaluru into a global IT hub. As India’s External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 under the UPA government, he played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s global diplomatic stature.
Krishna also served as Maharashtra’s Governor from 2004 to 2008. He began his political journey with the Congress Party, dedicating nearly five decades before joining the BJP in 2017. He retired from active politics in 2023.
Final Goodbye to a Political Stalwart
S.M. Krishna was hospitalized in August due to health issues and had been battling a prolonged illness. His passing marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, discipline, and transformative leadership.
The state mourns the loss of a true statesman whose visionary initiatives and inspiring leadership have left an indelible mark on Karnataka and the nation.
