S M Krishna passes away | He achieved what many thought was impossible

'In order to restore Bengaluru’s glory, Krishna moved to reform city administration, starting with introduction of the Self Assessment Scheme (SAS), which transformed the property tax collection system not only in Karnataka but across the country as well.'

When then Karnataka CM S M Krishna designated me commissioner of the erstwhile Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, I had my task cut out. He pointed to many MNCs such as Microsoft moving to Hyderabad because of Bengaluru’s crumbling infrastructure. In order to restore Bengaluru’s glory, he moved to reform city administration, starting with introduction of the Self Assessment Scheme (SAS), which transformed the property tax collection system not only in Karnataka but across the country as well. 

Secondly, Krishna was instrumental in forming the Bangalore Agenda Task Force (BATF) headed by Nandan Nilekani; this task force was crucial in forging private partnerships geared towards improving the city’s infrastructure. With the CM, no less, taking interest in improving city infrastructure, civic agencies had to work hard with corporates to improve infrastructure. These initiatives helped Bengaluru achieve numero uno status in attracting investments. With Krishna’s passing, an era has ended.

People mock Krishna for his Singapore remark. But Krishna’s intention was not to replicate Singapore in Bengaluru, but to set a benchmark for improving civic efficiency and delivery of public services. 

Having served as the MD of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, I can say that Krishna was the architect of the project although his predecessors and his successors have also contributed equally to it. But his sharp acumen, which he used to convince people came in handy, as he made various departments sign agreements with Siemens, which was subsequently approved even by the Centre without any controversy. 

He could achieve all this owing to experience gained from his long career in politics working with different people, and handling different portfolios in the state and  at the Centre. He knew how the government ran. Therefore, he could achieve what was thought impossible by many. 

Unlike others, Krishna was not a 24/7 politician. He was an epicurean, who had good taste in food, clothes, music and tennis. 

After the highs, Krishna also faced a debacle by calling midterm polls; I accompanied him to Raj Bhavan, where he handed over his resignation to then Governor T N Chaturvedi, who told him “Krishna don’t feel bad for the loss…posterity will judge you kindly. You will overcome this handicap.” 

Finally, we stopped at the Bengaluru Press Club; even in defeat, Krishna disarmed his adversaries (media) with his charm, graciously accepting the defeat and fully owning the responsibility.

(As told to Deccan Herald)

The author, K Jairaj is a former bureaucrat, served as the Commissioner of Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, Managing Director of Bangalore International Airport, and Principal Secretary to the CM (S M Krishna).