Once Tough Competitor to Babu, SM Krishna Passes Away

Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna (SM Krishna), the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away at the age of 92 after a prolonged illness. He died at his residence in Bengaluru on the morning of December 10, 2024. Krishna’s family confirmed the news, noting that his mortal remains would be taken to his hometown of Maddur.

SM Krishna is widely remembered for his pivotal role in transforming Bengaluru into India’s Silicon Valley. As Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004, he played a significant role in shaping the state’s development, particularly in the IT sector, which contributed to India’s position on the global tech map. During his tenure, Bengaluru became a major hub for information technology, rivaling the likes of Silicon Valley in the United States.

At the same time, N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of the undivided Andhra Pradesh, was transforming Hyderabad into another major IT hub. The two leaders, Krishna and Naidu, were fierce competitors, with both striving to establish their cities as the heart of India’s tech industry. While Naidu’s efforts made Hyderabad a key player in the IT sector, Krishna’s vision and policies helped Bengaluru solidify its place as the country’s leading tech destination.

Krishna’s political journey also took him to national prominence. He served as the External Affairs Minister of India from 2009 to 2012 during the UPA government. Later, he was appointed the Governor of Maharashtra. In 2017, Krishna joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His contributions to public service were recognized in 2023 when he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.

A trained lawyer, Krishna earned degrees from George Washington University and Southern Methodist University in the U.S. He was an influential figure both in Indian politics and on the international stage, serving on the Indian delegation to the United Nations and other global forums.