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SM Krishna, who passed away this morning, played a crucial role in one of the US Presidential polls as a law student.
SM Krishna (PTI Image)
Former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna, who passed away on Tuesday, was once thanked by former US President John F Kennedy in a personal note for his “efforts during the campaign” for the 1960 Presidential Polls.
He considered Kennedy as his “political guru”, Times of India reported.
Krishna was a student at George Washington University Law School during that period. Kennedy was running for President in the election. The 28-year-old Krishna wrote to the Democratic candidate offering to campaign for him in the Indian-American-dominated areas.
What Did John F Kennedy Write To SM Krishna?
The next year, when Kennedy was elected President, he wrote to the Indian student for his contributions to the successful campaign. He also apologised to Krishna for not being able to meet him personally to thank him for his “excellent work”, TOI reported.
“I hope that these few lines will convey my warm appreciation for your efforts during the campaign. I am most grateful for the splendid enthusiasm of my associates. I am only sorry I have not been able to personally thank you for the excellent work which you performed in behalf of the Democratic ticket,” Kennedy wrote in the letter dated January 19, 1961, as per the note shared by Krishna.
“Without your unrelenting efforts and loyalty, victory would not have been possible last November 8th,” Kennedy further said in the note, two years before he was killed in what was recorded as one of the most shocking moments in world politics.
SM Krishna Passes Away
Krishna had been ailing for some time and passed away at his residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday morning. He held various top positions in his political career spanning several decades, including Karnataka Chief Minister, External Affairs Minister, and Governor.
