Krishna went places, but stayed in touch with his roots, say people of Somanahalli

Former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna remembered by villagers for his contributions to Mandya's development and personal interactions with locals.

The grieving villagers of Somanahalli in Maddur taluk proudly remembered the son of Mandya, former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, who died in Bengaluru on Tuesday and was laid to rest in the village on Wednesday. They recollected his contributions and the development model he pursued during his long political journey.

Besides remembering his visits to the village and interactions with his acquaintances and the villagers, the residents especially recollected the construction of the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway that passes through Somanahalli, and the industrial areas he developed that helped in the setting up of several small-scale industries and the jobs they created for the locals.

C.D. Devaiah, a native of Mandya, who used to be in touch with the former Chief Minister, said the people of Mandya would always remember the veteran leader. The highway changed the district’s profile and developed the corridor, bringing jobs to the locals. Tubinakere, Gejjalagere, and Somahahalli developed industrially because of his vision, he said.

Prasad, 86, a retired government employee, whose house is close to Krishna’s ancestral home, said the former Chief Minister was always in touch with his roots despite his rise in the State and national politics. “He used to visit Somanahalli and speak to the locals. My last meeting with the veteran leader was six months ago,” he recalled.

Mr. Prasad showed the government school where Kirshna studied which is right in front of his ancestral home. Krishna studied in the village till class 7 and later went to Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysuru for further schooling. “Mahatma Gandhi had visited the ancestral home of Krishna. His father was active in the freedom movement. I have seen the photo of Krishna with Mahatma Gandhi,” said Mr. Prasad, asking us to visit the home and see the photo.

Former member of Mandya Municipal Council S. Kumaraswamy, who belongs to Somanahalli, recalled his association with Krishna and his last meeting at his residence in Bengaluru a few months ago. “The doors of his Sadashivanagar residence were always open for his admirers and the people from his village. From 11 a.m. onwards, he used to meet the people, discuss their problems and offer help.”

Guruswamy from Tubinakere recalled how Kirhsna used to identify people from Mandya and remember their names. “He used to acknowledge them and call them by their names. He was much admired and respected for his demeanour and the way he showed affection to his people.”