The last rites of Karnataka’s veteran politician, and former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, who passed away early this morning, will be conducted tomorrow in his hometown, Somnahalli, in Maddur. Prior to this, arrangements have been made for a public viewing at his residence in Bengaluru.

The state government has declared a three-day mourning period to honour his memory, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings in the state.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and several political leaders and prominent figures from various fields have expressed their heartfelt condolences.

While the President described SM Krishna as a leader committed to development, the Prime Minister remembered him as a thoughtful leader focused on infrastructure development and an avid reader and thinker.

“S.M. Krishna served as the Chief Minister of Karnataka from October 1999 to 2004. He also held the position of External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 and served as the 18th Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008.

During his tenure as Chief Minister in Karnataka he played a pivotal role in making Bengaluru the IT hub in India. Known for his Statemanship and Charisma Krishna was instrumental in attracting IT giants to Bengaluru.