Eight-time MLA D.K. Shivakumar, popularly called ‘DKShi’, is set to become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3, 2026, ending months of tussle over leadership change in Karnataka. Known as one of Karnataka’s most resourceful Congress leaders as well as one of its wealthiest politicians, Mr. Shivakumar - popularly known as ‘DK’ or ‘DKShi’ - has been the party’s principal strategist and trouble-shooter in South India.The 64-year-old, who has headed the KPCC since 2020, combined political networking in Delhi’s power corridors with formidable grassroots control in his home turf — a strategy that helped him establish himself both a politician and businessman. With family assets estimated at over ₹1,400 crore, he built substantial wealth after entering the Assembly in 1989 through investments in educational institutions and business ventures.Mr. Shivakumar is often referred to in sections of the media as ‘Kanakapura Bande’ (Rock of Kanakapura), a nickname reflecting both his resilient political persona and his refusal to be intimidated by central investigative agencies.Here is a look at his political journey as seen through a selection of images from The Hindu’s archives. Photo: