Leaders, people from Mandya district attend last rites of Krishna in big numbers

Top political leaders and several elected representatives cutting across party lines attended the funeral of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna at his ancestral village, Somanahalli, in Maddur taluk of Mandya district on Wednesday. Heads of various religious mutts were also present to pay their last respects to the veteran leader, remembered for his development works and for laying the strong foundation for the growth of IT and BT sectors in Bengaluru.

Elaborate arrangements had been made at the vacant plot next to a Coffee Day outlet on the old Bengaluru-Mysuru highway for the people to pay their last respects to the former Foreign Minister, whose political career began from the district.

The body of Krishna, who passed away in Bengaluru on Tuesday, reached Somanahalli past 2 p.m., and the grieving villagers took turns to pay their homage, until 3.30 p.m. Thereafter, the body was shifted to the cremation area for the last rites. People from Maddur and other taluks of Mandya had been waiting since morning to pay their tribute to one of the tallest leaders the district has produced.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with some of his Cabinet colleagues, took part in the funeral ceremony. Some of the Ministers, who had worked with Krishna in his Cabinet, were present. They include G. Parameshwara and H.K. Patil.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, whose elder daughter is married to Krishna’s grandson Amartya Hegde, was overseeing the arrangements done for the last rites.

Three former CMs present

Three former Chief Ministers — B.S. Yediyurappa, H.D. Kumaraswamy, and Basavaraj Bommai — were among those who were present. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok, senior Ministers, MLAs and MLCs from the Congress, BJP and JD(S) attended. Nirmalanandanatha Swami of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mutt was among the heads of religious mutts present.

Former MP for Mandya Sumalatha Ambareesh, leaders from Mandya district, the people who had close association with Krishna, old acquaintances of the former Chief Minister, and relatives were present.

Published - December 11, 2024 08:53 pm IST