Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], December 10: Former cricketer Anil Kumble expressed his condolences on the passing of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna, calling it a significant loss for the state. Krishna, 92, passed away early on Tuesday at his residence in Sadashivanagar.
In his statement to the media, Kumble acknowledged Krishna’s lasting impact on Karnataka, noting that his contributions as Chief Minister extended far beyond his tenure. “His demise is a huge loss for Karnataka. As Chief Minister, his contributions to the state, particularly in transforming Bengaluru into the ‘Silicon Valley,’ will always be remembered,” Kumble said.
Krishna had been battling a prolonged illness and was hospitalized earlier in August. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, a long-time friend of Krishna, shared that the funeral would take place on Wednesday in Somanahalli, his hometown in Mandya district.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also expressed his shock at Krishna’s passing and paid tribute to his significant role in the growth of the state’s IT-BT sector. “I am shocked by the death of former Chief Minister SM Krishna. His service as a State and Union Minister, and as Chief Minister, is unparalleled. Karnataka will always be indebted to him for his contributions to the growth of the IT-BT sector,” Siddaramaiah wrote in a post on X.
Siddaramaiah also remembered Krishna as both a mentor and a respected figure in the Congress party, writing, “Krishna, who was a guide to me in the early days of my political journey, was always my well-wisher. His foresight, disciplined life, and gentlemanly demeanor are an example for all budding politicians.”
SM Krishna served as Karnataka’s Chief Minister from October 11, 1999, to May 28, 2004. He later held the position of External Affairs Minister in the UPA government from 2009 to 2012 and served as the Governor of Maharashtra. In March 2017, Krishna ended his nearly 50-year association with Congress by joining the BJP. He retired from active politics last year.
Krishna had been a prominent figure in both state and national politics, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to be remembered.