Mandya, Dec 11 (Reporter) Amidst a gun salute and playing of the National Anthem, the last rites of former Karnataka Chief Minister SM Krishna was performed with full State honours in his ancestral village of Somanahalli under Mandya district of Karnataka on Wednesday. After the bugle sounded the last post and the police band played the mourning tune, Krishna's grandson, Amartya Hegde performed the final rites and lit the funeral pyre in the presence of an array of political leaders and dignitaries from across party lines, reflecting the deep respect he commanded in the state. Krishna, who passed away on December 10 in Bengaluru, was brought to Somanahalli by road. His final journey was marked by crowds lining the streets of Kengeri, Bidadi, Ramanagaram, and Channapatana to bid farewell to the revered leader. The convoy reached Somanahalli around 2:05 pm, where a grand State funeral was held. The ceremony included a gun salute, a guard of honour, and the playing of the National Anthem by the police band. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Opposition Leader R Ashok, and former Chief Ministers BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai were among the prominent leaders who attended. During the funeral, the National Flag, which had draped Krishna’s body, was handed over to his wife, Prema. The rituals were conducted by head priest Bhanuprakash Sharma. Krishna, who served as Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004, is remembered for his pivotal role in transforming Bengaluru into a major IT and biotech hub. His death marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics, but his legacy as a visionary leader and statesman lives on...////...