SM Krishna ensured safe release of Kannada actor Rajkumar from Veerappan’s captivity
Former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna, who recently passed away, faced two major crises during his 1999-2004 term. He successfully oversaw the rescue of kidnapped actor Rajkumar in 2000. However, a severe drought in 2002, compounded by delayed central aid, contributed to his government’s defeat in the 2004 elections.