Hours after taking over as Maharashtra governor, S M Krishna on Monday paid tributes to the martyrs of the unified Maharashtra movement.

"I have great respect for those who laid down their lives for the cause of a great Maharashtra," Krishna, accompanied by wife Prema, said after laying a wreath at Hutatma Chowk, built in memory of 105 martyrs who died for the cause.

"I have followed the history of this movement and I thought I owe it to myself to come here and pay my respects," the governor said.

Krishna later went to St Paul Church in south Mumbai, Haji Ali durgah and Siddhivinayak temple.