DK Shivakumar: Congress’s Crisis Manager Still Waiting For Top Leadership Role

DK Shivakumar has long been regarded as one of the most dependable leaders within the Indian National Congress, frequently entrusted with managing high-stakes political crises. Yet, despite his consistent loyalty and effectiveness, he has often found himself sidelined when it comes to top leadership positions.

Time and again, Shivakumar has been assigned delicate responsibilities, including handling situations involving party legislators and preventing defections. A recent instance involved Congress MLAs from Odisha being shifted to Bengaluru amid fears of cross-voting. While he played a key role behind the scenes, Shivakumar maintained a low profile publicly, stating he was merely following directions from the party leadership.

This reflects a broader pattern in his political journey—being entrusted with critical tasks without receiving proportional recognition or authority. His role during the 2019 Karnataka political crisis further highlighted his importance, as he worked extensively to keep the coalition intact, even though the government eventually collapsed.

Over the years, Shivakumar has emerged as a skilled political operator, often stepping in during crises in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. His ability to manage numbers and navigate complex political scenarios has made him indispensable to the party.

Despite this, his rise to the highest positions has remained elusive. When the Congress returned to power in Karnataka in 2023, many expected him to become Chief Minister. Instead, the role went to Siddaramaiah, with Shivakumar appointed as deputy amid reports of a future leadership transition that is yet to materialise.

Within the party, a clear divide exists between central leadership figures like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, and operational leaders such as Shivakumar, who handle ground-level political challenges. While the latter are crucial to maintaining party structure, they often remain outside the spotlight.

Such dynamics have previously led to exits of prominent leaders like Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jyotiraditya Scindia, who eventually sought opportunities elsewhere.