The final rites of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna will be conducted on Wednesday afternoon in his ancestral village, Somanahalli, located in Maddur Taluk of Mandya district. Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna (SM Krishna), who also served as External Affairs Minister and as the Governor of Maharashtra, breathed his last after a prolonged illness in the wee hours of Tuesday.
After his mortal remains were placed at his residence for public to pay respect in Bengaluru, his remains were being taken to his native place in Maddur for the final rites.
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Mandya District In-Charge Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy said that the Maddur Taluk residents could pay their respects to the veteran leader on Wednesday.
According to close family members, the cremation will be done as per traditional Hindu rituals. Currently, about 1,000 kg of sandalwood has been prepared for the ceremony. The police have also intensified the security along the route from Bengaluru to Somanahalli as his mortal remains is being transported.
A heavy security presence has also been deployed in Somanahalli to ensure the smooth conduct of the last rites. The state on Tuesday announced that the veteran leader will be accorded full state honours during the ceremony. The state also announced a holiday for schools, colleges and government institutions to pay respect to the departed soul.
On Wednesday, Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mutt paid his last respects. Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, BJP Leader CN Ashwath Narayan and other leaders were also present for final rituals held in Bengaluru.