Krishna & Gowda discussed issues with mutual respect, says Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy

Union Steel & Heavy Industries Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said former chief minister SM Krishna and former PM HD Deve Gowda often discussed issues with mutual respect and trust though they hailed from different political paths.

"Although they came from different political paths, I witnessed days when they openly discussed issues with mutual respect and trust," the JDS leader said while mourning the 92-year old former CM's death in Bengaluru in the early hours of Tuesday. Kumraswamy called the former Karnataka CM a refined statesman without enemies.

"I met Krishna on numerous occasions. When I first contested the Lok Sabha elections, he was a Rajya Sabha member. I vividly remember seeking his blessings at the home of former minister HN Nanje Gowda. Later, when I was the NDA candidate for the Mandya Lok Sabha elections (early this year), I visited him at his residence in Sadashivanagar to seek his blessings. During both my tenures as Chief Minister, I also had the privilege of receiving his guidance and support."


Highlighting Krishna's contributions, Kumaraswamy said, "He made immense contributions to the nation and the state, particularly in the development of infrastructure. His service to the state is unforgettable. He was a model politician, and his passing is a personal loss to me."

Kirshna's political journey had been inspiring, the Union Minister said. "Not many politicians get such a long tenure in public life. We were juniors compared to him and often sought his guidance. His contributions to the development of Bengaluru, especially in the IT and BT sectors, were unparalleled. In the history of Karnataka, SM Krishna's legacy will be a lasting one."

He said he would travel to Maddur in Mandya on Wednesday to attend the late leader's funeral.