May 28, 2026 20:31 pm IST

DK Shivakumar Comes With Mastery Of Delhi Networks And Karnataka Grassroots

DK Shivakumar is a politician who mastered the art of networking in Delhi's high-power circuits just as effortlessly as he managed the grassroots electoral math in his home constituency, where he has won eight straight terms

TM Veeraraghav TM Veeraraghav Columnist

TM Veeraraghav Columnist

DK Shivakumar was always candid and casual in conversations. You could ask him a question and expect a direct answer. Over the last three years, he mastered the art of answering the question of whether he will get his chance to be chief minister in so many different ways. All of it was designed to keep the speculation and power churn simmering, without taking it to the point of rebellion. He was more candid off the record, but he was clear enough on the record to make one thing obvious: Siddaramaiah will have to give way at some point. He has been patient and persistent, affecting what is perhaps the smoothest transition of power witnessed in Karnataka politics.

Chief ministers do not relent and resign easily. More so, they do not allow a constant challenger to take charge without a fight. That this transition is happening in Karnataka in the manner it is - without acrimony - is as much a credit to Shivakumar's patience and persistent tenacity as it is to the Congress high command's ability to ensure Siddaramaiah stepped aside and in no small measure credit to Siddaramaiah for honouring his commitment for a mid term transition made in 2023 soon after the Congress's........

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