DK Shivakumar: Congress' Key Strategist and Troubleshooter With Strong Regional Appeal
• DK Shivakumar is a key Congress leader and strategist, credited as the architect of the party's recent victories in Karnataka and Telangana.
• Known as the party's "troubleshooter", he has played a pivotal role in handling crises situations and dissident MLAs in various states.
• He is said to have set aside chief ministerial ambitions in Karnataka for the "sake of political stability" and is currently the deputy CM.
• Shivakumar employs shrewd political strategy but also has an emotional side and strong regional appeal that connects with people.
• He began as a student leader in the 1980s, had a rapid political rise in Congress but continues to face corruption allegations, which he denies.