DK Shivakumar and the politics of luxury: Karnataka’s CM who wears his wealth on his sleeve
According to observers of India’s political scene, Shivakumar, who is poised to become the next chief minister of Karnataka, is unique in his lack of hypocrisy in wearing the things he loves, especially watches and shawls. He has never described himself as a minimalist politician.
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Instead, he was candid about his taste for luxury and his right to wear whatever he wanted. “Don’t I have the right to wear whatever watch I want?” he once asked this question in response to criticism of his Cartier and Rolex watches.
family assets
Political opponents often mocked his preference for luxury accessories, but Shivakumar remained unmoved. He once wore a stolen Louis Vuitton during a visit to a garbage sorting plant in Bengaluru. Political sources said he takes inspiration from former prime minister SM Krishna when it comes to luxury brands.
Shivakumar’s signature look is a wrap-around style scarf, preferably from Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ferragamo, Burberry or Fendi – a veil often chosen by public figures to add a bright accent to formal or semi-formal outfits without looking overly structured. “He is one of the richest ministers in the country; he can afford to play with brands,” said a senior IAS officer. Shivakumar’s wealth stems from various business interests such as real estate, infrastructure development, educational institutions and quarrying. He disclosed that his family assets total more than Rs 1,400 million, making him one of the richest legislators in the country. But Shivakumar was also a man of the people, said Shankara Guha Dwarakanath, general secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, expressing his fondness for the dosas at Bengaluru’s Vidyarthi Bhavan restaurant.
He also said that the people of Karnataka are more accepting of a political leader who enjoys nice things.
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Politicians elsewhere have even gotten into trouble over Apple watches and Montblanc pens, and are generally careful to avoid flaunting their own style. His batchmate stated that Shivakumar, who worked late into the night and did not sleep much, was also fond of sunglasses and said that most of the expensive items he wore were gifted to him by well-wishers.
And she added that not all of her scarves are from couture houses. He also prefers scheduled flights over charter and avoids VIP lounges, preferring to sit with regular passengers.
The Karnataka leader has also been the consummate ‘troubleshooter’ of the Congress party, helping over the years to prevent MLAs from being pillaged by their rivals in Gujarat, Telangana, Maharashtra and elsewhere. Sentenced to nearly two months in prison in September 2019 due to allegations of money laundering and tax evasion, he also attracted the attention of the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
