'SM Krishna worked tirelessly to improve lives': PM Modi pays tribute to ex-Karnataka CM

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna, the visionary behind Bengaluru's transformation into the Silicon Valley of India, passed away at the age of 92, on Tuesday morning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to condole the death of the former Karnataka Chief Minister, stating that “SM Krishna was a remarkable leader, admired by people from all walks of life.”

"He(SM Krishna) 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. SM Krishna Ji was also a prolific reader and thinker," wrote Modi.

‘Bengaluru still reaping benefits of his vision’

Karnataka's IT Minister Priyank Kharge, condoled SM Krishna's death on X, stating that Bengaluru is still reaping the “benefits of his vision.” Kharge added, the former Karnataka Chief Minister's “ vision and dedication shaped Karnataka’s progress and his corporate approach towards governance for Bengaluru endeared him to many."

‘Known for his significant contributions’

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also condoled the death of  SM Krishna. The Trinamool Congress leader posted on X, stating, “ He (SM Krishna) was known for his significant contributions to the State and the national polity. His reforms and achievements brought him wide acclaim.”

‘Was a guide and mentor…’

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his grief, and said that SM Krishna was a ‘guide and mentor’ to him during “his early days in the Congress.”

“Karnataka will forever remain indebted to him, especially for his visionary leadership in transforming the IT-BT sector during his tenure as Chief Minister,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.

‘True leader who prioritised welfare’

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also condoled SM Krishna's death. “ 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,” Naidu posted on X.

‘Longtime Karnataka colleague’

Former Prime Minister of India, and Janata Dal (Secular) president, H D Devegowda posted on X that SM Krishna was his ‘longtime Karnataka colleague’. “ We started out in politics around the same time, and cultivated very different approaches to development and governance. Om Shanti,” wrote Devegowda.

SM Krishna is known as 'Ajaatashatru'

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra also expressed his grief over the passing away of SM Krishna, stating that he was known as 'Ajaatashatru', which means 'liked by everyone'. " 

“ It is the saddest thing. SM Krishna is known as 'Ajaatashatru' (liked by everyone). Being the CM, union minister and governor worked in many such great positions, he gave a lot to Karnataka, as a finance minister, and irrigation minister and has done so much good to north Karnataka as well," BY Vijayendra was being quoted as saying by PTI.