‘S. M. Krishna was a statesman politician who never indulged in vendetta’

Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U. T. Khader called upon all politicians to adopt the political style of Mr Krishna who was known for decency, expertise and good grip over various issues.

Paying rich tributes to S. M. Krishna, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly described the former Chief Minister as a ‘rare statesman politician’ who never indulged in vendetta, an able administrator who had a clear vision for development, and an epitome of decency in public behaviour.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was a rare politician who loved everyone and was known for decency and efficient administrative skills.

Mr. Siddaramaiah recalled how as a student he was impressed by Mr. Krishna’s personality and even attended his election meetings when he contested the Mandya Lok Sabha poll in 1968.

Recalling his contribution to development of Bengaluru into the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, the Chief Minister pointed out that he had a vision to turn Bengaluru into Singapore.

He was one among very few politicians who have been a member of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, he said.

Law Minister H. K. Patil recalled that contrary to the allegations that Mr Krishna focused only on development of Bengaluru, he had contributed immensely to the development of north Karnataka by forming the Dr. Nanjundappa committee to look into regional imbalances. “I don’t recall Mr Krishna ever using any abusive language against anyone, including his political opponents, even in private conversations,” he said.

Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara said Mr Krishna had the practice of considering the views of everyone while making any crucial decision. He not only had a love for sports, like tennis, but had the highest sportive spirit in life. Hailing Krishna’s dressing style, Mr. Parameshwara confessed that he was in the habit of copying the former CM’s dressing style.