SM Krishna, a veteran politician and former chief minister of Karnataka, died in Bengaluru early on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. He was 92 years old. Initial reports said SM Krishna, who was hospitalized in October, died at home.

“SM Krishna is no more. He breathed his last at 2:45 am in his apartment. The mortal remains are likely to be brought to Maddur today,” news agency PTI quoted a family source as saying.

SM Krishna or Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna is survived by his wife Prema and two daughters Shambhavi and Malavika.

“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Shri SM Krishna, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, whose legacy of leadership and public service left an indelible mark on our state and our nation.” His vision and commitment shaped Karnataka’s progress and entrepreneurial approach to governance in Bengaluru endeared him to many,” Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge posted on X.

“We continue to benefit from his vision of positioning Bengaluru as a global city. When we think of him, we not only mourn the loss of an outstanding figure in our politics, but also celebrate a fulfilling life in the service of people. May his soul rest in peace and may his contributions continue to inspire future generations,” Priyank Kharge added.

SM Krishna was Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004 and Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008.

Krishna broke ties with the Congress and joined the BJP in 2017, but remained politically inconspicuous.

He also served as Foreign Minister during the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance government from 2009 to 2012.

In March 2017, he joined the BJP, ending his nearly 50-year association with the Congress. He retired from active politics last year, news agency ANI reported.

He received the Padma Vibhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 2023 for his contribution in the field of public affairs.

“My parents will be pleased and happy that the Honorable Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have seen fit to bestow this prestigious award on me. I am grateful to the Indian government and also grateful to the people of Karnataka. “Krishna was quoted as saying after receiving the award.

A law graduate, he studied in the United States, graduating from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., where he was a Fulbright Scholar, according to an agency report.

He was a member of the Karnataka Assembly and Council and served as deputy chief minister (1993 to 1994) and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee before the 1999 general election, in which the party won and became chief minister. Krishna is credited by many for putting Bengaluru on the world map as the boost to the IT sector during his tenure has seen the city grow into “India’s Silicon Valley”, a PTI report said.