As the political landscape in Karnataka heats up with speculation about a leadership change, all eyes are on Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Beyond his political clout, Shivakumar stands out as one of the wealthiest politicians in India, with a net worth that has seen a massive surge over the past few years .
The Billionaire Neta’s Staggering Assets
According to the affidavit filed during the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023, DK Shivakumar, along with his dependents, declared total combined assets worth a staggering ₹1,413.78 crore . This marks a dramatic jump from his 2018 declaration of ₹840.08 crore, reflecting a significant increase of over ₹500 crore in just five years .
The breakdown of his holdings reveals a diverse portfolio. The Congress leader possesses movable assets valued at approximately ₹273.42 crore and immovable assets worth ₹1,140.36 crore . Notably, his personal immovable assets alone are valued at a massive ₹972.65 crore .
The Source of Wealth: Real Estate and Malls
A significant portion of Shivakumar's immense wealth is tied to high-profile real estate in Bengaluru. Reports indicate that nearly ₹852 crore of his assets are linked to the "Global Malls" projects, including the popular Global Mall (LuLu Mall) in Rajajinagar and the Global Divinity Mall on Mysore Road .
Despite his billionaire status, his declared liabilities stand at approximately ₹263 crore .
Luxury Assets and Legal Challenges
Interestingly, for a man of his wealth, his affidavit lists only a single registered vehicle: a Toyota Qualis . However, he does own a collection of luxury watches, including a Rolex and Hublot, alongside significant gold and silver holdings . In 2025, Shivakumar faced political scrutiny over his watches but firmly defended his transparency, stating, "My watch, my money" .
It is also pertinent to note that Shivakumar declared 19 criminal cases pending against him at the time of the 2023 polls, mostly related to alleged violations of the Representation of the People Act . He also faces a CBI probe into allegations of disproportionate assets, a case the Supreme Court recently refused to stay .
If elevated to the Chief Minister's post, D K Shivakumar would not only lead the state but would also arguably become the richest Chief Minister in the country
