Former Karnataka Chief Minister and ex-External Affairs Minister SM Krishna passed away at 92. He took his last breath early on Tuesday morning at his home in Bengaluru.

"SM Krishna is no more. He breathed his last at 2:45 am at his residence. Mortal remains are likely to be taken to Maddur today," reported PTI citing sources.

Following his demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared condolences on his demise. Sharing some pictures from his X handle, the PM wrote, "Shri SM Krishna Ji was a remarkable leader, admired by people from all walks of life. He always worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others. He is fondly remembered for his tenure as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, particularly for his focus on infrastructural development. Shri SM Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker."

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Rahul Gandhi also shared condolences on the demise of ex-Karnataka CM SM Krishna.

"Saddened to learn of the passing of Shri S.M. Krishna. His decades of work significantly contributed to Karnataka's development and Bengaluru's transformation into a technological hub. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time," he wrote on X.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah expressed his grief on the death and said that Karnataka would remain indebted to Krishna's contribution to IT-BT's growth.In a post on X, Siddaramiah said, "I am shocked by the death of former Chief Minister SM Krishna. Krishna's service as a State and Union Minister and Chief Minister is unparalleled. Karnataka will always be indebted to him for his contribution to the growth of the IT-BT sector, especially as Chief Minister."

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed grief on the demise of former MEA. 

Taking to X, he shared a picture of the former MEA and wrote, "I'm deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Karnataka Chief Minister, Sri SM Krishna Garu. Our friendship transcended the competitive spirit we shared in attracting investments to our respective states. He was a true leader who always prioritized the welfare of his people. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."

Last Rites Of SM Krishna To Be Performed Tomorrow

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday said that the last rites of Karnataka's former Chief Minister and Union Minister SM Krishna will be performed on Wednesday evening.

"Till tomorrow at 8 am, everyone is allowed to pay the last respects at his residence in Bengaluru. At 8 am tomorrow, his mortal remains will be taken to Maddur, his native place. Till 10.30 we will reach Maddur. Till 3 pm, everyone would be allowed to have darshan. The family rituals would be conducted for one hour. At 4 pm, the state honour will be conducted and the last rites will be done," Shivakumar told reporters.

He further said that "it's a relationship between father and son. I lost him, you can see what we are today, it's only because of him, and his programs. When Rajkumar was kidnapped, he called me in the night and I know what kind of situation he faced. How much he struggled."


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Who Was SM Krishna?

- SM Krishna was born in the Mandya district of Karnataka on May 1, 1932.

- His political journey began in 1962 after he won the Maddur assembly seat as an independent.

- He was the 16th Chief Minister of Karnataka from October 11, 1999, to May 28, 2004, (from Congress).

- He was the External Affairs Minister during the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2009 to 2012.

- Krishna left Congress and joined BJP in March 2017.

- Besides serving as the Karnataka CM and MEA, he also served as the Governor of Maharashtra.

- In January 2023, he had announced his retirement from active politics, citing his age as the reason.