<p>The passing of S M Krishna marks the end of a long and successful career of a versatile personality and a rare gentleman-politician. Much has been written about the various positions he held and his admirable qualities. I would like to share some aspects of my association with him when he was chief minister and I served as chief secretary of Karnataka.</p>.<p>It was 2002. One day, without any prior intimation, he said, “Let’s go around the city and see what areas need urgent attention”. Sharing a mutual passion for Bengaluru, we set out in his car—no retinue, no media, no fanfare—just the two of us. As we drove around, observing the beautiful and the blemished, he suddenly suggested, “Let’s go to a coffee shop and chat.” We eventually found ourselves at a Coffee Day outlet on Lavelle Road.</p>.<p>As we exchanged notes, he asked me to call the Commissioner of the Corporation (then not yet BBMP). CM’s PA and I scrambled to locate the commissioner, M R Srinivasamurthy, who had just taken office a couple of days earlier. Nonplussed by the urgent summons to an unusual venue, he rushed over, unsure of what awaited him. After a brief chat, it was decided that pedestrian safety should be prioritised by upgrading dilapidated footpaths and designating a few streets as pedestrian zones. I proposed Commercial Street and Avenue Road as pilot projects, which he readily approved. I am pleased to see this vision now materialising.</p>.S M Krishna, a politician by profession, a musician at heart.<p>Another significant decision taken during SMK’s tenure was the initiation of the Bengaluru Metro Rail project—the city’s most transformative infrastructure project. In the early 1990s, a PPP-based metro project had been entrusted to Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher company but remained stagnant for nearly a decade. When I became Chief Secretary, I recommended scrapping the project and exploring other options. SMK agreed in principle. </p>.<p>During a trip to Delhi, I observed the nearing completion of the Delhi metro and met its chief managing director, Sreedharan. Impressed by the efficiency of their project, I requested his assistance in developing Bengaluru’s Metro. He immediately sent a team to conduct a feasibility study, which provided a sound report. I recommended terminating the Kingfisher project and launching a new state-led metro initiative with technical assistance from Delhi Metro. SMK approved my proposal without hesitation, laying the foundation for what has now become the city’s most popular public transport.</p>.<p>One of the most challenging periods during SMK’s tenure was the severe drought of 2002. With Karnataka’s reservoirs at near-empty levels, releasing water to Tamil Nadu as per the Water Disputes Tribunal’s interim orders became impossible. Endless meetings in Delhi proved futile. The situation worsened when Tamil Nadu filed a contempt case in the Supreme Court, and the court ordered Karnataka to release 6 TMC of water. Following an all-party meeting, it was decided that the release was unfeasible due to Karnataka’s own worsening drought. When SMK undertook a padayatra from Bengaluru to Mandya, the infuriated court criticised the move. The deadlock continued until the rain gods finally intervened.</p>.<p>Amid this crisis came the shocking news of the brutal killing of Cabinet Minister Nagappa by Veerappan. SMK, who had earlier worked tirelessly to secure Rajkumar’s release from the brigand, was deeply shaken. Scheduled to leave for an event in the United States, he readily cancelled his trip upon my suggestion, sending a strong message of solidarity to the people. </p>.<p>SMK was remarkable in his ability to maintain composure during a crisis. Whether dealing with kidnappings by Veerappan or the inter-state river water dispute that led to contempt of court proceedings against him, he displayed immense patience and grace. The true measure of public servants lies not only in their achievements but also in their response to adversity. On this count, SMK ranks among the best.</p>.<p>Beyond politics, SMK had varied interests. While his passion for tennis is well known, his love for music is less so. Even after retiring from public life, I would often see him quietly attending Ramaseva Mandali music concerts at the Fort High School grounds, blending into the audience without any ostentation. </p>.<p>As Chief Secretary, I enjoyed his full trust and confidence. He refrained from interfering in my work and supported me in making critical decisions during challenging times. I will always cherish my tenure under his leadership.</p>.<p><em>(The writer is a former chief secretary, Government of <br>Karnataka)</em></p>
<p>The passing of S M Krishna marks the end of a long and successful career of a versatile personality and a rare gentleman-politician. Much has been written about the various positions he held and his admirable qualities. I would like to share some aspects of my association with him when he was chief minister and I served as chief secretary of Karnataka.</p>.<p>It was 2002. One day, without any prior intimation, he said, “Let’s go around the city and see what areas need urgent attention”. Sharing a mutual passion for Bengaluru, we set out in his car—no retinue, no media, no fanfare—just the two of us. As we drove around, observing the beautiful and the blemished, he suddenly suggested, “Let’s go to a coffee shop and chat.” We eventually found ourselves at a Coffee Day outlet on Lavelle Road.</p>.<p>As we exchanged notes, he asked me to call the Commissioner of the Corporation (then not yet BBMP). CM’s PA and I scrambled to locate the commissioner, M R Srinivasamurthy, who had just taken office a couple of days earlier. Nonplussed by the urgent summons to an unusual venue, he rushed over, unsure of what awaited him. After a brief chat, it was decided that pedestrian safety should be prioritised by upgrading dilapidated footpaths and designating a few streets as pedestrian zones. I proposed Commercial Street and Avenue Road as pilot projects, which he readily approved. I am pleased to see this vision now materialising.</p>.S M Krishna, a politician by profession, a musician at heart.<p>Another significant decision taken during SMK’s tenure was the initiation of the Bengaluru Metro Rail project—the city’s most transformative infrastructure project. In the early 1990s, a PPP-based metro project had been entrusted to Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher company but remained stagnant for nearly a decade. When I became Chief Secretary, I recommended scrapping the project and exploring other options. SMK agreed in principle. </p>.<p>During a trip to Delhi, I observed the nearing completion of the Delhi metro and met its chief managing director, Sreedharan. Impressed by the efficiency of their project, I requested his assistance in developing Bengaluru’s Metro. He immediately sent a team to conduct a feasibility study, which provided a sound report. I recommended terminating the Kingfisher project and launching a new state-led metro initiative with technical assistance from Delhi Metro. SMK approved my proposal without hesitation, laying the foundation for what has now become the city’s most popular public transport.</p>.<p>One of the most challenging periods during SMK’s tenure was the severe drought of 2002. With Karnataka’s reservoirs at near-empty levels, releasing water to Tamil Nadu as per the Water Disputes Tribunal’s interim orders became impossible. Endless meetings in Delhi proved futile. The situation worsened when Tamil Nadu filed a contempt case in the Supreme Court, and the court ordered Karnataka to release 6 TMC of water. Following an all-party meeting, it was decided that the release was unfeasible due to Karnataka’s own worsening drought. When SMK undertook a padayatra from Bengaluru to Mandya, the infuriated court criticised the move. The deadlock continued until the rain gods finally intervened.</p>.<p>Amid this crisis came the shocking news of the brutal killing of Cabinet Minister Nagappa by Veerappan. SMK, who had earlier worked tirelessly to secure Rajkumar’s release from the brigand, was deeply shaken. Scheduled to leave for an event in the United States, he readily cancelled his trip upon my suggestion, sending a strong message of solidarity to the people. </p>.<p>SMK was remarkable in his ability to maintain composure during a crisis. Whether dealing with kidnappings by Veerappan or the inter-state river water dispute that led to contempt of court proceedings against him, he displayed immense patience and grace. The true measure of public servants lies not only in their achievements but also in their response to adversity. On this count, SMK ranks among the best.</p>.<p>Beyond politics, SMK had varied interests. While his passion for tennis is well known, his love for music is less so. Even after retiring from public life, I would often see him quietly attending Ramaseva Mandali music concerts at the Fort High School grounds, blending into the audience without any ostentation. </p>.<p>As Chief Secretary, I enjoyed his full trust and confidence. He refrained from interfering in my work and supported me in making critical decisions during challenging times. I will always cherish my tenure under his leadership.</p>.<p><em>(The writer is a former chief secretary, Government of <br>Karnataka)</em></p>
