DK Shivakumar career: From student leader to Karnataka CM frontrunner

DK Shivakumar, a former student leader, has consistently risen through the ranks of the Congress party in Karnataka over four decades. He won eight Assembly elections, securing a commanding 75% vote share in 2023. His rise to prominence began in 1981 when he joined the National Students' Union of India and later served as chairman of the Karnataka State Planning Board. Shivakumar also played a key role in organizing the historic campaign yatra that brought SM Krishna's Congress to power, defeating HD Kumaraswamy in Sathanur in 1999. He has held various ministerial positions and led the Congress party's 2023 Karnataka campaign, ultimately becoming deputy chief minister after winning his own seat with a strong majority.