S M Krishna shaped Bengaluru into an IT-BT hub, thousands pay respects to departed visionary

Calling him a well-educated politician, gentleman and a 'visionary dreamer', Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar attributed Bengaluru's image as the IT-BT hub and Silicon City, besides the country's economic progress to Krishna's relentless efforts.

Bengaluru: A quiet pall was cast over the growing crowd in Sadashivanagar's roads in Bengaluru on Tuesday as people mourned the loss of Karnataka's former chief minister S M Krishna.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who addressed the media outside Krishna's home, said that his body would be kept at the residence until 8 am on Wednesday on December 11. After that, he would be taken to his village Somanahalli in Mandya.

"The passing away of my mentor in political life, S M Krishna, has brought me immense pain," he said, noting that Krishna's passing away has meant that the "pole star" of Karnataka politics has fallen.

Calling him a well-educated politician, gentleman and a "visionary dreamer", Shivakumar attributed Bengaluru's image as the IT-BT hub and Silicon City, besides the country's economic progress to Krishna's relentless efforts.

Track live as condolences, tributes pour in for S M Krishna

Perhaps the most popular contribution the former CM was known for was laying the foundation for the Bengaluru Metro and the Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli. "He put aside whatever differences he had with other parties and took everyone together for the development of the state and nation," he said, likening Krishna to the Hindu god who mentored him.

"This country has lost the great son of Cauvery. May God rest his soul in eternal peace. May the relatives, fans, friends and well-wishers be given the strength to bear this loss."

After addressing the media, a defeated looking DCM returned to the house.

Roads leading to SM Krishna's residence in Sadashivanagar, not very far from Raman Research Institute (RRI) are swarming with police as they manage the growing crowd. Government officers, including BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath, Additional Commissioner of Transport C Mallikarjuna, ex MLA R V Devaraj, MLA M Krishnappa, paid their respects.