Standing at the dais in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Doddalahalli Kempegowda Shivakumar aka DK Shivakumar has been sworn in as Karnataka’s 18th Chief Minister. The senior Congress leader and political guru has also been rated India’s richest CM, having declared assets worth Rs 1,413 crore.
Within the Congress party, Shivakumar is considered a tried and tested crisisbuster or ‘troubleshooter’. The political mastermind has held the post of India’s Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president since 2020. He was earlier Working President of the party between 2008 and 2010. Shivakumar has also served as a minister in Karnataka government between 2014 and 2019, and has a strong background of dealing with high-pressure political situations.
Shivakumar took oath as Karnataka’s Chief Minister alongside senior Congress leaders such as party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, along with Chief Ministers from other Congress-led states. Shivakumar paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Vidhana Soudha before stepping into office as his first act.
Who Is in DK Shivakumar’s Cabinet?
His cabinet includes 13 ministers, featuring leaders such as G Parameshwara as Deputy Chief Minister, along with UT Khader, MB Patil, KJ George, KH Muniyappa, Satish Jarkiholi, Ramalinga Reddy, Krishna Byregowda, Priyank Kharge, Ishwar Khandre, Byrathi Suresh and Sharan Prakash Patil. The cabinet is expected to be expanded after the Rajya Sabha elections.
DK Shivakumar- Meet India’s Richest CM
According to his latest declaration, Shivakumar holds assets worth Rs 1,413 crore, making him the richest serving Chief Minister in the country. His wealth surpasses several peers significantly.
His declared assets are higher than the combined wealth of 10 Chief Ministers from Hindi-speaking states, and even exceed former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who declared assets of around Rs 931 crore. Reports also highlight his extensive land holdings of over 71 acres in Bengaluru South, valued at around Rs 10.37 crore, though market value is likely much higher.
DK Shivakumar’s Political Journey
Shivakumar has represented the Kanakapura constituency since 2008, and earlier served as MLA from Sathanur for nearly two decades. He also served as Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister (2023–2026) before rising to the top post.
Why Is His Leadership Being Closely Watched?
His elevation comes after months of internal political negotiations within Congress and is seen as the outcome of a long-standing leadership transition plan in the state. With experience, wealth, and strong organisational control, DK Shivakumar now begins a new chapter as Karnataka’s Chief Minister.
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