People pay tribute to former union minister S.M. Krishna, who passed away early Tuesday morning, in Chikkamagaluru.
Credit: PTI photo
Mysore: The mortal remains of former chief minister S M Krishna, who passed away due to an illness in Bengaluru, on Tuesday, was brought to his native Somanahalli, in Maddur taluk, Mandya district, on Wednesday afternoon.
Thousands of people gathered near the main road that connects Somanahalli to have a glimpse of the leader.
Several halts were made along the way so that people could give pay their respects one last time. The vehicle reached Somanahalli around 2pm where many were seen swaying Kannada flags as a mark of respect to the great leader.
The body will be kept for public darshan at Somanahalli, on the premises of Coffee Day. The final rites would be conducted on the premises, after 4 pm, according to sources.
The district administration has made all arrangements for the public to have the last darshan of their favourite leader.
Separate enclosures have been made for the seating arrangements for the VIP's, which include family members, political leaders of various parties, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, ministers, MLAs and dignitaries from various parts of the state.
The last rites would be conducted as per the Vokkaliga tradition. A team of priests, led by Bhanuprakash Sharma will be conducting all rituals related to the final rites.
Around 1,000 kgs of sandalwood was brought from Mysuru depot of the Forest department, to be used for the last rites of the late leader.
S M Krishna's grandson and D K Shivakumar's son in law Amartya will be conducting the last rites, it is said.
As a large number of people are expected to take part in the last rites, the Police department has deployed around 700 police personnel on the premises and barricades erected. This includes two SPs. three ASP.
10 DSP, inspectors, constables, KRP and DAR platoons deployed on the spot, to streamline the crowd.
The district administration had started the arrangements from Tuesday, levelling the land to facilitate the family to conduct the final rites, near Coffee Day, the land belonging to Krishna'