Karnataka govt declares holiday on Wednesday as mark of respect for SM Krishna

BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a holiday for schools, colleges and government offices on Wednesday to honour the memory of former Karnataka CM and External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who passed away on Tuesday.

The Karnataka government has also announced a three-day state mourning beginning today. “CM Siddaramaiah announced one day holiday to schools and colleges and govt offices after S M Krishna’s demise”, the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Earlier, in a post on X, Siddaramaiah expressed grief on the demise of former Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Minister S M Krishna and said that his ‘foresight’ and ‘disciplined life’, inspire aspiring politicians.

“A statesman and a leader without adversaries, Shri Krishna was a guide and mentor to me during my early days in the Congress party and remained a well-wisher throughout. His foresight, disciplined life, and kind nature are an inspiration for aspiring politicians. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers in this moment of grief. May his soul rest in peace”, Siddaramaiah said on X.

Earlier today, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that the last rites of former CM and Union Minister S M Krishna will be performed on Wednesday evening.

“Till 8 am tomorrow, everyone is allowed to pay their last respects at his residence in Bengaluru. At 8 am tomorrow, his mortal remains will be taken to Maddur, his native place. By 10.30 am we will reach Maddur and till 3 pm, everyone will be allowed to have darshan. The family rituals will be conducted for one hour. At 4 pm, state honours will be presented and the last rites will be done”, Shivakumar told reporters.

He further recalled his relationship with the former CM. “It’s a relationship between father and son, I lost him. You can see what we are today, it’s only because of him and his programmes. When Rajkumar was kidnapped, he called me in the night and I know what kind of situation he faced. How much he struggled”.

Meanwhile, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot expressed profound sorrow over the demise of S M Krishna. In his message, the Governor highlighted S M Krishna’s immense contributions to the development of Karnataka and the nation.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister and former Union External Affairs Minister SM Krishna. He served the state and the country with dedication in various capacities, as Union Minister, State Minister, and Governor. His passing is an irreparable loss to the country,” the Governor stated.

The Governor extended his heartfelt condolences to SM Krishna’s family, saying, “I pray that his family finds the strength to bear this profound grief, and may his soul rest in peace”.

Krishna had been suffering from a prolonged illness and was hospitalized in August. Krishna (92) was Karnataka Chief Minister from October 11, 1999, to May 28, 2004, and also served as External Affairs Minister during the Manmohan Singh-led United Progressive Alliance government from 2009 to 2012, and as Maharashtra Governor.

He joined the BJP in March 2017, ending his nearly 50-year-long association with the Congress. He retired from active politics last year. (ANI)