Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to former Karnataka chief minister SM Krishna, calling him a remarkable leader admired by people from all walks of life.
"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," the PM posted on X.
Rememebering his interactions with Krishna, PM Modi said he will always cherish those moments. "I am deeply saddened by his passing. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," said the PM.
Karnataka government declared three-day mourning from December 10 to 12. During this period, national flag at government offices will be flown at half-mast, and no cultural or entertainment programs organised by the government will be held.
The cremation will be conducted with full state honours on Wednesday in Mandya district.
The 92-year old leader, who is credited for putting Bengaluru on the global map as India’s Silicon Valley, died in the early hours of Tuesday at 2:45 am.
"S M 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," PTI reported citing a family source.
The Congress-turned-BJP leader had a political career spanning over six decades and switched his allegiance to the saffron party in 2017.
Krishna was struggling with his health for the past few months. In April, he was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru and was under the care of a critical care team at the hospital.
In 2023, the former chief minister was awarded India’s second-highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan to recognize his 6-decade long political career. Born in Somanahalli in Karnataka's Mandya district on May 1, 1932, Krishna has also served as the Maharashtra Governor and Karnataka Assembly Speaker.
"Shri SM Krishna was instrumental in Bangalore becoming the IT capital of the country. He had a vision for the development of Bangalore that was ahead of its time. He started the PPP model for the development of Bangalore city," Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan told Moneycontrol.
"I was very close to SM Krishna. He showered love and affection to me like I am almost his son. He was known as a gentleman politician. He represented all the Houses. He was known for right planning," said Karnataka Minister HK Patil.
With PTI inputs
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