S. M. Krishna, an eminent Indian politician, has had a remarkable journey spanning several decades. Known for his administrative acumen and dynamic leadership, Krishna made significant contributions to Karnataka's development and India’s diplomacy. Here's a detailed account of his journey:
Early Life and Education
Full Name: Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna
Born: May 1, 1932, in Somanahalli village, Mandya district, Karnataka.
Krishna hailed from an agrarian family and grew up witnessing rural India's challenges.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from Maharaja’s College, Mysore.
Studied law at University Law College, Bangalore.
Went to the United States for further education, earning a master’s degree in law from Southern Methodist University, Texas.
Political Career
Krishna’s political career began in the early 1960s and evolved over six decades, during which he held diverse roles at the state and national levels.
Entry into Politics
Krishna entered politics as a member of the Praja Socialist Party.
Later, he joined the Indian National Congress and was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1968.
Ministerial Roles in Karnataka
In the 1980s, Krishna served as a minister in Karnataka, handling portfolios like industry and urban development.
He played a key role in shaping the industrial landscape of Karnataka during this period.
Chief Minister of Karnataka (1999–2004)
Krishna's tenure as the 19th Chief Minister of Karnataka marked a transformative phase for the state.
Urban Development: He is credited with modernizing Bengaluru, positioning it as the IT capital of India.
Initiatives like the promotion of IT parks and support for tech companies earned Bengaluru global recognition.
Infrastructure: Focused on urban infrastructure, including flyovers, roads, and international connectivity.
Reforms: Introduced reforms in governance and education to attract investments.
Criticism: Faced criticism for neglecting rural areas, as his urban-centric policies alienated certain segments of the population.
Governor of Maharashtra (2004–2008)
After his term as Chief Minister, Krishna was appointed the Governor of Maharashtra.
His tenure was marked by stability and a focus on maintaining harmony in the state.
Union Minister for External Affairs (2009–2012)
Krishna served as India’s Minister for External Affairs in the UPA government.
Key Contributions:
Strengthened India’s relations with the U.S., China, and other nations.
Represented India at various global platforms, enhancing the country's diplomatic presence.
Played a role in fostering international trade and collaboration.
Controversies:
Faced criticism for certain diplomatic missteps, including a mix-up during a UN address where he accidentally read a portion of Portugal's speech.
Later Years and Exit from Congress
In 2017, Krishna resigned from the Congress Party, citing neglect of senior leaders.
He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant political shift.
Legacy and Contributions
Development Vision: Krishna’s efforts were pivotal in transforming Bengaluru into a global IT hub, earning Karnataka a reputation as a technology powerhouse.
Diplomacy: His tenure as External Affairs Minister strengthened India’s global standing.
Controversies: His urban-focused policies during his time as Chief Minister drew criticism for marginalizing rural communities.
Personal Life
Krishna is married to Prema Krishna, and the couple has two daughters.
Despite his age, he continues to inspire many through his political journey and vision for development.
S. M. Krishna’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and adaptation, leaving a lasting impact on Karnataka and India. Would you like a deeper dive into any specific phase of his life?
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