‘SM Krishna’s demise is huge loss for us’: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

BENGALURU: Health Minister and Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday expressed his condolences on former CM S M Krishna’s demise and called it a significant loss.

“It is very sad news. He was a very tall leader in Karnataka. He did a lot of good and developing things for the state. His demise is a huge loss for us. My condolence is with his family”, Rao said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | On the demise of Former Karnataka CM SM Krishna, State Minister and Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao says, “…It is very sad news. He was a very tall leader in Karnataka…He did a lot of good and developing things for the state…His demise is a huge loss… pic.twitter.com/hpG2UyQAMa

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024

BJP MP Jagadish Shettar also expressed condolence on SM Krishna’s demise and called him one of the greatest leaders of Karnataka. “SM Krishna is no more. He was one of the greatest leaders of Karnataka and as the CM of the state, he did a lot of work for the development of the people and the state,” Shettar said.

Senior BJP leader B S Yediyurappa also expressed his condolences on the death of the former CM saying, “S M Krishna served at several posts. Because of his efforts, Bengaluru city has become one of the development cities. He will be remembered for his works. He was a great person”.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | Former Karnataka CM & senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa says, “SM Krishna served at several posts. Because of the efforts of the SM Krishna, Bengaluru city has become one of the development cities. He will be remembered for his works…He was a great person” https://t.co/dho1w0q6Dv pic.twitter.com/BSluE4dor9

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024

Karnataka BJP president B Y Vijayendra expressed condolence saying, “His (SM Krishna’s) demise is a great loss. We lost such a great person. He held a lot of posts”.

Former CM and BJP leader D V Sadananda Gowda condoled SM Krishna’s demise saying, “He was one of the greatest stalwarts of the Indian political scenario. He severed at almost every post. He was awarded with Padma Vibhushan. As far as Bengaluru is concerned, his vision gave direction to the city and made it one of the fastest-growing cities today. May his soul rest in peace”.

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 SM 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 SM Krishna’s demise”, the CMO said. Earlier in a post on X Siddaramaiah expressed grief on the demise of former Karnataka Chief Minister and Union Minister SM 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.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: On the demise of former Karnataka CM SM Krishna, Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar, says “Till tomorrow at 8 am, everyone is allowed to pay the last respects at his residence in Bengaluru. At 8 am tomorrow, his mortal remains will be taken to Maddur, his native… pic.twitter.com/dpyPsT6ZaK

— ANI (@ANI) December 10, 2024

Earlier today, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the last rites of Karnataka’s former Chief Minister and Union Minister SM Krishna will be performed on Wednesday evening. “Till 8 am tomorrow, everyone is allowed to pay the 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 everyone will be allowed to have darshan till 3 pm. 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 said that “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 SM Krishna. In his message, the Governor highlighted SM 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 S M 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 earlier 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)