SM Krishna’s unexpected move to the BJP: an 84-year-old political surprise

At 84, an age at which most politicians call it quits, SM Krishna sprung a surprise by joining the BJP, a move even more stunning given his unwavering loyalty to the Congress.
The Congress had made him chief minister, governor and foreign minister during his 42 years in the party, but Krishna’s decision to join the BJP in 2017 – at the end of his political career – surprised his colleagues, his friends and even some members of the BJP.
Age was not on his side for a fresh start and the chances of him securing a role in the BJP commensurate with his stature and experience were slim. Krishna was criticized for “deserting” the Congress during times of crisis, but he neither gave a reason for his decision nor countered the criticism.
So what made a seasoned politician like him take such a drastic step? The question persists, but without any clarity from the man himself, the true motive remains open to interpretation.
Many suggest his decision was motivated by his perceived marginalization within Congress. He was removed from Manmohan Singh’s cabinet in 2012 and was pushed to the margins where he remained until he left the party.
After being expelled from the Union cabinet, Krishna thought he would return to state politics and oversee the affairs of the Congress in Karnataka ahead of the 2013 assembly elections. But Siddaramaiah’s dominance offered him no opportunity. Krishna’s attempt to at least have a say in the government was also met with resistance.
“Krishna had been sulking ever since he was removed from the Union cabinet. He was neglected by state functionaries and this left him even more disappointed. Perhaps this led him to join the BJP,” said a senior Congress MP.
Another important reason why he joined the BJP, which was a hit at that time, was that he wanted to bail out his son-in-law and founder of Café Coffee Day. VG Siddhartha Hegde a financial problem and a computer file. However, evidence to support these claims remains elusive. Siddhartha, husband of Krishna’s daughter Malavika, was heavily in debt and struggling to save his business. He committed suicide in 2019.
Even in the BJP, his role was limited to receiving saffron party functionaries who visited him on his birthday or seeking blessings before elections. Age and declining health also prevented him from engaging in active politics.