Introduction: D. K. Shivakumar Age
Doddalahalli Kempegowda Shivakumar, widely known as D. K. Shivakumar or simply DKS, is a seasoned Indian politician and businessman. Born on May 15, 1962, he is a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
Over his three-decade-long political career, Shivakumar has carved a niche for himself as a powerful strategist, an organizational mastermind, and a grassroots leader. His wealth and influence have often made headlines, but so have his unwavering loyalty to his party and his knack for navigating complex political situations.
Wiki Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Doddaalahalli Kempegowda Shivakumar |
| Popular Name | D. K. Shivakumar |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1962 |
| Age | 63 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Kanakapura, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Politician, Businessman |
| Political Party | Indian National Congress (INC) |
| Current Position | Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka |
| Constituency | Kanakapura |
| Education | B.A. Degree from Bangalore University |
| Father’s Name | Kempegowda |
| Mother’s Name | Gouramma |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse’s Name | Usha Shivakumar |
| Children | 2 (including Aisshwarya D. K. Shivakumar) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Net Worth | Approx ₹1,214 crore (as per 2023 affidavit) |
| Hobbies | Traveling, Public Speaking, Reading |
| Known For | Political Strategy, Electoral Management |
| Languages Known | Kannada, English, Hindi |
| Fun Fact | Known as “troubleshooter” in Karnataka politics |
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
D. K. Shivakumar was born in Kanakapura, located in what was then the Mysore State (now Karnataka), on May 15, 1962. He hails from the Vokkaliga community, a prominent land-owning and politically influential caste in Karnataka.
His father Kempegowda and mother Gouramma raised him with strong values rooted in culture and religion. Interestingly, Shivakumar’s name is said to be inspired by a temple deity after his parents prayed for a child. He is the elder brother of D. K. Suresh, who is also a politician and currently serves as a Member of Parliament from Bangalore Rural.
Education
Shivakumar completed his early schooling in Bengaluru. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at Sri Jagadguru Renukacharya College in Bengaluru. Later, he obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science from Karnataka State Open University in Mysuru.
During his student life, Shivakumar was active in politics, serving as the Student Union Secretary, and was also known for participating in debates and cultural programs.
Political Journey
Entry into Politics
Shivakumar started his political career in the 1980s as a young student leader. His dedication and potential caught the attention of senior Congress leaders. In 1989, at the young age of 27, he contested and won his first election to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from Sathanur constituency.
Legislative Career
He represented Sathanur from 1989 to 2008, and after the constituency was reorganized, he contested from Kanakapura and has been representing it since 2008.
He has been elected eight times, a testimony to his strong grassroots connect, mass appeal, and electoral strategy.
Ministerial Positions Held
Throughout his political tenure, D. K. Shivakumar has served in various capacities:
- Minister of Prisons and Home Guards (1990–1992)
- Minister of Urban Development (1999–2004)
- Minister of Energy (2014–2018)
- Minister of Water Resources (2018–2019)
During his tenure as Energy Minister, he played a crucial role in setting up Pavagada Solar Park, which became one of the largest solar power plants in the world. His initiatives aimed at reducing power outages in Karnataka earned him recognition.
Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka
Following the Congress party’s success in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly Elections, Shivakumar was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister on May 20, 2023. He currently oversees portfolios like Water Resources, Bengaluru Development and Town Planning, and serves as the District In-charge Minister for Bengaluru Urban.
Personal Life
Family
D. K. Shivakumar married Usha Shivakumar in 1993. The couple has three children: two daughters, Aishwarya and Aabharana, and a son named Aakash.
His daughter Aishwarya is married to Amartya, the son of V. G. Siddhartha, the late founder of Café Coffee Day. His younger brother D. K. Suresh plays an important role in regional politics, making the Shivakumar family one of Karnataka’s most politically influential families.
Personality Traits
- He is deeply religious and often visits temples.
- Believes in numerology; the number 6 is considered lucky for him.
- Has a tattoo on his right elbow.
- Known as “DKS”, “Kanakapura Rock”, and “Congress’ Man Friday”.
Net Worth and Financial Profile
Declared Wealth
As per his affidavit submitted in the 2023 Karnataka Elections, D. K. Shivakumar is among the wealthiest politicians in India. His declared net worth stands at approximately ₹1,413 crore.
Here’s a breakdown of his declared assets:
- Movable Assets: ₹244 crore
- Immovable Assets: ₹970 crore
- Liabilities: ₹265 crore
His wife and son also own substantial assets, contributing to the family’s overall wealth.
Assets and Investments
D. K. Shivakumar has invested in:
- Agricultural lands
- Commercial real estate across Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mumbai, and Delhi
- Educational institutions
- Co-operative banks
He also owns several luxury items:
- Rolex watch worth ₹9 lakh
- Hublot watch worth ₹23 lakh
- Jewelry including:
- 2.1 kg gold
- 12.6 kg silver
- 324 grams of diamonds
Interestingly, despite his wealth, he owns a Toyota Qualis, a relatively modest vehicle.
Contributions and Initiatives
Political Strategist
D. K. Shivakumar is known for his crisis management skills. He played a significant role during several political crises:
- Helped the Congress retain its members during the Rajya Sabha elections.
- Hosted Gujarat MLAs at a Bengaluru resort to avoid defection during the 2017 political drama.
- Managed coordination during the formation of the 2018 JDS-Congress coalition government.
Social Initiatives
- Launched education and health initiatives in Kanakapura.
- Sponsored several rural development projects.
- Supported youth employment programs and sports events in his constituency.
Hobbies and Interests
Apart from politics, D. K. Shivakumar has a range of hobbies:
- Religious pilgrimages: Regular visitor to temples across South India.
- Music: Enjoys classical and devotional music.
- Travel: Likes to travel both within India and abroad.
- Gardening: Passionate about nature and maintains a private garden at home.
- Sports Enthusiast: Encourages local sports events and funds cricket tournaments in Kanakapura.
Fun Facts
Here are some lesser-known and fun facts about DKS:
- He was a debater during his college days and even won intercollegiate competitions.
- Prefers traditional attire, often seen wearing white kurta-pajamas and an angavastram.
- Loyal to party: He’s known for never switching political parties despite opportunities.
- Spiritual side: Undertakes temple visits before any major political decision.
- Family-centric: His daughter once disguised herself as a reporter to meet him when he was under custody.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
D. K. Shivakumar has faced several legal battles during his career:
- In 2017, he was raided by the Income Tax Department, and large sums of cash were reportedly seized.
- In 2020, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a case against him for alleged possession of disproportionate assets.
- He has denied all allegations and claimed they are politically motivated.
Despite these challenges, his popularity and influence remain intact.
D. K. Shivakumar’s Vision
As a leader, Shivakumar envisions:
- A prosperous Karnataka with equitable development.
- Modern infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.
- Improved education and healthcare systems.
- Strengthened agriculture and solar energy initiatives.
He believes in inclusive politics and wants the Congress party to regain its former strength in Karnataka and India.
Timeline of Major Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1962 | Born in Kanakapura |
| 1989 | Elected as MLA for the first time |
| 1999 | Becomes Minister of Urban Development |
| 2014 | Appointed Minister of Energy |
| 2018 | Becomes Water Resources Minister |
| 2019 | Faces arrest in money laundering case |
| 2020 | Appointed KPCC President |
| 2023 | Becomes Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka |
Conclusion
D. K. Shivakumar’s journey is one of resilience, loyalty, and ambition. From a small town in Karnataka to the seat of Deputy Chief Minister, his life story embodies the complex, high-stakes world of Indian politics. Known for his wealth, wit, and political foresight, Shivakumar remains a dominant force not just in Karnataka but in national political discussions.
