Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, a prominent figure in Indian politics, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 92. Krishna’s remarkable six-decade career left a lasting imprint on Karnataka and the nation, especially in transforming Bengaluru into a global technology hub.
Born on May 1, 1932, in Mandya district, Karnataka, Krishna’s early education and academic brilliance set the stage for his illustrious career. He earned a law degree from Bengaluru’s Government Law College and was a Fulbright Scholar at Southern Methodist University and George Washington University in the US. Before stepping into politics, he served as a professor of international law at Renukacharya Law College in Bengaluru.
Krishna’s political journey began in 1962 when he won a seat in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, defeating then-minister HK Veeranna Gowda. His rise continued with national prominence, and he was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1968. Over the years, he held crucial positions, including Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Parliamentary Affairs, Speaker of the Karnataka Assembly, and Rajya Sabha member.
As Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004, Krishna played a pivotal role in the state’s rise as a global IT and tech leader. His innovative governance style, which emphasized public-private partnerships and corporate-style management, garnered international recognition. Initiatives like the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF) highlighted his progressive approach to urban development. Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw praised Krishna as a visionary who transformed Karnataka into a tech powerhouse, noting that his creation of Vision Groups remains a global model.
Despite facing challenges, including the high-profile kidnapping of Kannada actor Dr. Rajkumar by Veerappan and the contentious Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu, Krishna’s tenure solidified Bengaluru’s status as an innovation hub. However, his administration was also criticized for focusing heavily on urban development while neglecting rural issues, especially during times of drought and agrarian distress.
After stepping down as CM, Krishna served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008. His tenure as External Affairs Minister under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from 2009 to 2012 saw him handling key diplomatic matters. While his political career saw a few missteps, Krishna remained highly respected for his international outlook and statesmanship.
In 2017, Krishna joined the BJP, citing dissatisfaction with Congress, and remained involved in public life by participating in the 2019 elections. He retired from active politics in 2023, after more than 60 years of service.
Following his death, tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauding his contributions to infrastructure and governance. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged Krishna’s vital role in the state’s IT and biotech sectors, calling him “a statesman without enemies.”
