Eight-time MLA D.K. Shivakumar, popularly called ‘DKShi’, is set to become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3, 2026, ending months of tussle over leadership change in Karnataka.
Known as one of Karnataka’s most resourceful Congress leaders as well as one of its wealthiest politicians, Mr. Shivakumar - popularly known as ‘DK’ or ‘DKShi’ - has been the party’s principal strategist and trouble-shooter in South India.
The 64-year-old, who has headed the KPCC since 2020, combined political networking in Delhi’s power corridors with formidable grassroots control in his home turf — a strategy that helped him establish himself both a politician and businessman. With family assets estimated at over ₹1,400 crore, he built substantial wealth after entering the Assembly in 1989 through investments in educational institutions and business ventures.
Mr. Shivakumar is often referred to in sections of the media as ‘Kanakapura Bande’ (Rock of Kanakapura), a nickname reflecting both his resilient political persona and his refusal to be intimidated by central investigative agencies.
Here is a look at his political journey as seen through a selection of images from The Hindu’s archives.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar arrives at the joint session of Karnataka Assembly and Council, in Bengaluru on March 03, 2025.
KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar takes a 'holy dip' in Cauvery water during the inauguration of the 10 day 'padaytra' from Mekedatu to Bengaluru to demand the implemention of Mekedatu project, in Mekedatu on January 9, 2022.
D.K. Shivakumar seen with then Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna with the Kranthi Jyothi at a rally to mark the occasion of Quit India Movement in Bangalore on August 9, 2003.
Sathanur MLA D.K. Shivakumar, addressing the media, accussing Chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and his family members and his father H. D. Deve Gowda of alleged involvement in illegal mining and bribery case, in Bengaluru on August 01, 2006.
Former Minister D.K. Shivakumar greeted by Governor, T. N. Chaturvedi after receiving a Master of Arts (MA) degree during the KSOU Convocation held in Mysore on January 08, 2007.
Mahila Congress members demanding D.K. Shivakumar (in the poster) to be made as Karnataka State President. Banners are also put all around the KPCCI office, in Bangalore on August 13, 2008.
Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa and KPCC working president D. K. Shivakumar, paying floral tributes in front of Vidhana Soudha to mark National Integration Day on the occasion of late Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary in Bangalore on November 19, 2009.
KPCC President Mallikarjuna Kharge and former minister D.K. Shivakumar, during a protest rally in Bangalore on November 16, 2006.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister for Power D.K. Shivakumar, during the Janaashirvada Yatre at Kurudumale Ganapati temple at Mulubagilu in Kolar district in 2018.
D.K. Shivakumar as Congress MLA from Kanakapura consitituency and Minster for Energy in Karnataka.
Congress leader D K Shivakumar seeks blessings of party President Sonia Gandhi during a 'thanksgiving' rally in Mandya in 2013.
D.K. Shivakumar taken into custody while protesting in front of Bangalore Central College Campus Main Gate against BJP Government on February 5, 2009.
Energy Minister D K Shivakumar and his brother and MP Suresh Kumar leave Income Tax Office.
D K Shivakumar, with his family members, appears before the Income Tax Department for seventh time, in Bengaluru on November 06, 2017.
KPCC president D K Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh addressing Congress workers outside his residence, after the CBI raids, in Bengaluru on October 05, 2020.
D K Shivakumar at his Sadhashivanagar residence during the I-T Raid on August 02, 2017.
Energy minister D K Shivakumar offers Tulabhara seva at Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple in Dakshina Kannada district.
Karnataka Chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and Congress leader D K Shivakumar, during the swearing in ceremony of JD(S) and Congress party coalition government in Karnataka in Bengaluru on May 23, 2018.
D K Shivakumar being detained during a protest against hike in fuel prices on June 11, 2021.
In a 2021 file photo, Leader of Opposition in Karnataka assembly Siddaramaiah and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar with party MLAs, MLCs, and supporters, arrive in Vidhana Soudha by bullock cart to protest against BJP government's failure to control the rise in prices of petrol and diesel.
Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal, Karnataka Dy. CM D K Shivakumar, and other leaders, at the Opposition Parties Meet, in Bengaluru on July 18, 2023.
KPCC President DK Shivakumar getting ready at his residence Doddalahalli, his native near Kanakapura, for second day of Congress Padayatra on Mekedatu project in 2021.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and his wife at Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, kissing the IPL 2025 trophy at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru on June 04, 2025.
DCM D K Shivakumar during the Cauvery Aarati, modelled on Varanasi’s Ganga Aarati, to honour the River Cauvery, at Sankey Tank, in Bengaluru on March 21, 2025.
CM Siddaramaiah and DCM D.K. Shivakumar with Congress candidates Ramoji Gowda graduates' constituency and B.T. Srinivas, teachers' constituency, and other leaders, after submitting nomination for the Elections of Karnataka Legislative Council, in Bengaluru on May 13, 2024.
Published - June 02, 2026 07:36 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
