S.M. Krishna tribute: Charmer, Dreamer, Doer | D.K. Shivakumar pays an ode

A 2008 file photo of former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief D. K. Shivakumar
| Photo Credit: K MURALI KUMAR

An era has ended, but the legacy will live on. With the passing away of S.M. Krishna, Karnataka has lost a rare politician – a great human being, a shrewd strategist, a seasoned statesman, and an able administrator. He may not be with us today but he has left a lasting impression on everyone and everything around us.

My association with SMK goes back a long way. When I was elected as an MLA for the first time in 1989, he was already a tall leader. Entering politics at an early age of 30, he had already spent over two-and-a-half decades while I was taking baby steps.

I saw him as a Speaker of the Assembly for the first time. He taught us the rudiments of legislative politics. He was disciplined, patient, sophisticated, sharp and witty. He treated everyone in the House equally. He had a way with words. There weren’t many legislators – young and old alike – who weren’t mesmerized by him.

SMK was a man of many talents. He had an interest in arts, literature, music, sports and more. He was an avid tennis player and harboured a keen interest in fashion designing, which reflected in the way he dressed. He was easily one of the best-dressed politicians.

His early personality was shaped by his father Mallaiah, a true Gandhian. His education in the US further transformed his worldview. He was a rare blend of socialism and capitalism, rural and urban, traditional and modern.

Known as ‘Ajathashatru’, he moved up the political ladder steadily. There aren’t many things he hasn’t done. He was one of those rare politicians who served as a member of all four houses – Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhana Sabha and Vidhana Parishath. He served as a speaker, deputy chief minister, chief minister, state minister, union minister and a governor.

Former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Hampa Nagarajaya, and other dignitaries, during releasing of a book based on Mr. Krishna’s life story ‘Nelada Siri’ in Bengaluru on October 1, 2023.
| Photo Credit:
MURALI KUMAR K

Lasting legacy as Karnataka CM

During his tenure as the CM of Karnataka between 1999 and 2004, he was faced with unprecedented challenges – Kambalapalli tragedy, Cauvery water dispute, the abduction of Dr. Rajkumar and severe drought for three successive years. Yet, he left a lasting impact on the State. Some of his schemes and initiatives became the cornerstones of good governance. He introduced mid-day meals to attract children to school, he launched the Yashaswini health insurance scheme for farmers, helped set up thousands of women’s self-help groups, and also introduced the first digital application in Bhoomi. He was labelled a white-collar politician, but few politicians have left such a lasting impact on rural Karnataka.

SMK saw the future of information technology way back in 1999 and aggressively developed Bengaluru to become the IT capital of the country. Thousands of IT companies and millions of IT employees today owe a lot to him. The two marquee infrastructure projects in Bengaluru – Kempegowda International Airport and Namma Metro – are his babies. He was a true visionary.

My association with SMK

My association with S.M. Krishna went beyond politics. He was my mentor, philosopher and guide. I once went to Puttaparthi along with him on his birthday. Saibaba, pointing to me, told him, “This boy will stay with you till the end”. His words could not be truer. I feel blessed to have been associated with him.

I have followed in his footsteps quite literally. He served as an Energy Minister and Irrigation Minister. He served as the KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister. I have been a minister for Energy in the past. Today, I am the Deputy Chief Minister holding the Irrigation portfolio and KPCC presidency. Isn’t this a coincidence?

S.M. Krishna has left an indelible mark not just on my life and career but also left a towering legacy on the State of Karnataka. A true homage we can pay to such a visionary leader would be to continue the good work he began.

(The author is the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka)