Remembering SM Krishna: A Political Giant’s Legacy and His Impact on ‘Brand Bengaluru’

SM Krishna, a veteran leader with over 45 years in the Congress party, made a significant shift in 2017 by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, marking a notable change in his political journey.

P24 News Media

December 10, 2024

1 minute

India

Veteran politician Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, widely recognized as SM Krishna, has departed this world at the age of 92 on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy marked by his unwavering dedication to promoting 'Brand Bengaluru.' His contributions to public life were acknowledged when he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, in 2023.

Born on May 1, 1932, SM Krishna hailed from Somanahalli in Mandya's Maddur Taluka, as the son of the late SC Mallaiah. He entered into matrimony with Prema, becoming a proud father of two daughters, Malavika and Shambhavi. His educational journey took him through notable institutions, where he completed his graduation at Maharaja's College in Mysore, later obtaining a law degree from the Government Law College in Bengaluru. Pursuing further studies, he attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, USA, and subsequently George Washington University, enriching his academic foundation.

Before stepping into the political arena, Krishna served as a professor of International Law at Renukacharya Law College in Bangalore. His political career commenced with his election to the legislative assembly in 1962, marking the beginning of a path that would see him make significant contributions at both state and national levels.

SM Krishna first ventured into Parliament in 1968 when he earned a seat in the Lok Sabha. Although he was later re-elected to the Lok Sabha, in 1972 he chose to redirect his focus back to regional politics. Following his election to the legislative council, he took on the role of Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Parliamentary Affairs from 1972 to 1977, establishing himself as a key figure in state governance.

In 1980, Krishna returned to the Lok Sabha, where he undertook the responsibilities of Minister of State for Industry and Minister of State for Finance over the next few years. His leadership abilities led him to serve as the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 1989 to 1992. Subsequently, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1996, a position he held until October 1999. In addition to his legislative roles, he was part of the Indian delegation to the United Nations in 1982 and represented India at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar in the UK in 1990.

Following a successful tenure as Chief Minister of Karnataka from October 1999 to May 2004, he took on the role of Governor of Maharashtra in December 2004. His prowess in governance continued as he assumed the position of External Affairs Minister in the UPA government from 2009 to 2012, under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Notably, in 2017, after a distinguished 46-year association with the Indian National Congress, Krishna chose to part ways with the party, citing its confused state as a rationale for his departure. Just months ahead of the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections, he announced his decision to retire from active politics.

Among his numerous achievements, SM Krishna is particularly celebrated for his role as Chief Minister and for advancing 'Brand Bengaluru.' Under his leadership, Karnataka's capital emerged as a pivotal hub for the Information Technology sector, rivaling California's Silicon Valley. This transformation provided countless employment opportunities for the youth and essentially reshaped the economic landscape of the region.

In 2022, he reached out to then Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, urging a commitment to safeguard and enhance 'Brand Bengaluru.' He emphasized the importance of revitalizing the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF), which had been established during his government in 1999, to foster expert-driven urban development initiatives aimed at ensuring the city's sustainable growth and future vision.

Through his extensive career spanning over six decades, SM Krishna's influence on Indian politics and metropolitan development remains significant. His departure is felt deeply among those who recognize the indelible mark he has made on Karnataka and beyond.