Krishna's political career spanned over five decades, starting in 1962 when he won the Maddur assembly seat as an independent candidate. Over the years, he became a prominent leader of the Congress party, eventually joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2017 after a long association with Congress. He retired from active politics in 2022, citing his advancing age.
As Karnataka’s Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004, Krishna played a pivotal role in shaping Bengaluru's identity as the "Silicon Valley of India." His policies fostered a pro-IT environment, attracting investments and helping the city emerge as a global hub for technology. His tenure as External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012 under the UPA government was marked by efforts to strengthen India's diplomatic relationships and advocate for international trade agreements.
Krishna's educational background included law degrees from Southern Methodist University in Texas and George Washington University, where he was a Fulbright Scholar. His exposure to global perspectives significantly influenced his approach to governance, particularly in urban planning and international relations.
Throughout his career, Krishna held several key positions, including Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister, and member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He was also a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.