Shivakumar, the Congress warlord of Karnataka set to play Dy CM

Bengaluru: Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar is set to take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister on May 20 here after the party high command chose Siddaramaiah over him for the state’s top post.
A prominent Vokkaliga leader in the party, Shivakumar is known for unparalleled organisational skills. He is known as the tough taskmaster and a go-getter for the party.
Popular as a warlord for the Congress, Shivakumar was born on May 15, 1962 in Dodda Alahalli of Kanakapura taluk as the first son of Kempe Gowda and Gowramma couple. His father was a landlord and a local leader. He joined NSUI at the age of 18 years and became the president of Bengaluru district Congress from 1981 to 1983.
While studying in Bengaluru RC College, he became the party’s State General Secretary. He gained popularity by organising free medical and blood donation camps in rural areas.
Also Read Siddaramaiah to be Karnataka CM, DKS as Dy CM: Congress In 1985, when Congress was in search of a formidable candidate against former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in Sathanur Assembly seat, the party zeroed in on him.
Though Gowda won, it was not a cakewalk for him.