'Pole star' of Karnataka politics has disappeared: DK Shivakumar

Bengaluru: S M Krishna’s passing away has meant that the “pole star” of Karnataka politics has disappeared, deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar said here on Tuesday.

An emotional Shivakumar, whose daughter Aisshwarya is married to Krishna’s grandson Amartya Hegde, addressed the media outside Krishna’s home, noting that the passing away of his “mentor” and “father figure” brought him immense pain.

“This country has lost the great son of Cauvery. His contributions cannot be forgotten, he has left behind a big legacy, there is a lot to learn from him. May God rest his soul in eternal peace. May the relatives, fans, friends and well-wishers get the strength to bear this loss.”

Calling him a well-educated politician, gentleman and a “visionary dreamer”, Shivakumar attributed Bengaluru’s image as the IT-BT hub and Silicon Valley of India, besides the country’s economic progress, to Krishna’s relentless efforts. 

Perhaps the most popular contributions the former CM was known for was laying the foundation for the Bengaluru Metro and the Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli, besides the Vikasa Soudha, Shivakumar said.

“He put aside whatever differences he had with other parties and took everyone together for the development of the state and nation. His contribution in building Bengaluru as a major brand worldwide is visible today. He is the architect of Nava Karnataka,” he said, likening the veteran leader to Hindu god Krishna himself.