Doddalahalli Kempegowda Shivakumar, known as D.K. Shivakumar, is a well-known Indian politician. As of November 21, 2025, he is serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. Shivakumar has had a long and successful political career starting from the early 1980s when he was a student leader. He is a member of the Indian National Congress Party and is respected for his leadership and dedication to public service.
Early Life
D.K. Shivakumar was born on May 15, 1962, in Kanakapura, a town in the Bengaluru district of Karnataka. He belongs to the Vokkaliga community, which is one of the prominent communities in Karnataka. He completed his schooling at the National Public School in Bengaluru. Later, he studied at RC College in Bengaluru and earned a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Karnataka State Open University in Mysuru in 2006. Shivakumar is a well-educated man who values learning, which has helped him in his political journey.
DK Shivakumar Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Family
Career
Shivakumar began his political career as a student leader in the early 1980s. In 1989, at just 27 years old, he won his first election to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Sathanur constituency in Mysuru district. Since then, Shivakumar has been elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly eight times without losing any election, making him one of the most consistent and popular politicians in the state.
Over the years, he has held important ministerial positions in the Karnataka government. He served as the Minister of Prisons and Homeguards from 1990 to 1992. Later, from 1999 to 2004, he was the Minister of Urban Development. Between 2014 and 2018, he served as the Minister of Energy. From 2018 to 2019, he also oversaw the departments of Major Irrigation and Medical Education. In July 2020, he became the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). In May 2023, he was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, a highly respected role in the state government.
Personal Life
D.K. Shivakumar is married to Usha Shivakumar since 1993. They have three children: one son named Aakash Shivakumar and two daughters, Aishwarya and Aabharana. He comes from a family that has been active in politics; his brother, D.K. Suresh, is also involved in public service. Shivakumar's father, D.K. Kempegowda, passed away in 2013. Known for his strong personality, Shivakumar is nicknamed "Kanakapura Rock," "Congress' Man Friday," and "The Tiger of Santhur" by supporters and critics alike.
Wealth And Assets
D.K. Shivakumar is considered one of the richest politicians in India. According to reports in 2022 and 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around Rs 1,414 crores. His assets include agricultural land, commercial buildings, residential properties, cash, bank deposits, vehicles, and valuable watches. His financial power makes him a significant figure not only in Karnataka politics but also at the national stage.
Leadership
D.K. Shivakumar is known for his strong influence within the Congress Party and Karnataka politics. His leadership helped the party in various elections, and his organizational skills are highly praised. He has played a significant role in the growth and strengthening of the party in the state. As Deputy Chief Minister, he holds a key position in shaping government policies and development programs in Karnataka [1][3].
In conclusion, D.K. Shivakumar is a powerful and experienced politician from Karnataka. His long career shows dedication to public service, strong leadership, and ability to face challenges. Though he has been involved in controversies, his influence remains strong in Indian politics, especially within the Congress Party and Karnataka state government.