The Legislative Council, which is in session at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on Tuesday, witnessed a condolence motion after Chairman Basavaraj Horatti allowed all members to speak on the demise of veteran leader S.M. Krishna, breaking away from the tradition of adjourning the House after the speech of the floor leader and Leader of Opposition.
| Photo Credit: P.K. BADIGER
The Legislative Council on Tuesday mourned the demise of the former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna and paid tributes to him for his contribution to the development of the State as a Chief Minister and statesman.
The House was adjourned to Thursday after the condolence motion.
Council members cutting across party lines hailed him as a great statesman and visionary while speaking on the condolence motion after Chairman of the Council Basavaraj Horatti allowed members to speak, breaking away from the tradition of adjourning the House after the speech of the floor leader and Leader of Opposition.
Speaking on the motion, floor leader N.S. Boseraju recalled his political journey and how a soft-spoken Krishna adeptly handled complex situations in his political life, including actor Rajkumar kidnap episode.
Mr. Boseraju recalled how Mr. Krishna came up with the midday day meal scheme to address the issue of school dropouts and how he initiated the programme of empowering women through Stree Shakti groups.
He also recalled how under Mr. Krishna addressed the issue of regional imbalance and tackled various issues as Chief Minister and also, as Union Minister.
Recalling his association with Mr. Krishna, Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy hailed him as a decent politician who treated all, including youngsters, with respect.
Mr. Krishna was the first politician to adorn the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, he said, recollecting various instances that reflected his humility.
Hailing Mr. Krishna’s contribution towards development of Bengaluru as the silicon valley of India, member Thimmayya termed him a visionary leader.
Bhoje Gowda, who is a relative of Mr. Krishna, recollected the late leader’s humbleness despite being a member of four Houses during his long political career. A disciplined politician, Mr. Krishna was known for his interest in sports and literature, he said.
Sashil Namoshi explained how Hyderbad Karnataka Liberation Day became a State function because of Mr. Krishna and how he addressed the issue of regional imbalance.
His passion for tennis made him get an international tennis tournament in Kalaburagi district, he said describing Mr. Krishna as the most well-dressed politician.
The former Minister H. Vishwanath spoke about how he was asked to handle the primary education portfolio under Mr. Krishna, because of whom now 84 lakh children are being served midday meal regularly.
Council members B.K. Hariprasad, C.T. Ravi, N. Nagaraj, P.H. Pujar and others recalled Mr. Krishna’s contribution to the development of the State and his handling of various issues during his long political career.
Earlier, Mr. Basavaraj Horatti recalled his association with Mr. Krishna and mourned his demise.
Published – December 10, 2024 08:50 pm IST