D.K. Shivakumar by Rasheed Kidwai [Hardcover]

This authoritative biography by political journalist Rasheed Kidwai traces the life, political career and remarkable resilience of D.K. Shivakumar, from his roots in Kanakapura to becoming one of the Congress party’s most important strategists and crisis managers. It explores his grassroots political machinery, role in rescuing governments, rivalry and power-sharing with Siddaramaiah, relationship with the Gandhi family, struggles with political and legal challenges, and his long pursuit of the Karnataka chief ministership. The book also examines Shivakumar’s contrasting identities as a political strongman, strategist, religious devotee and moderniser, while placing his career within the wider story of Karnataka and Indian politics.