D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka's Chief Minister-designate, is being celebrated not just by party workers but by those who knew him long before politics — including B.N. Madhukar, a school friend who has stood by him since 1969. Madhukar, speaking ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 3 June in Bengaluru, said Shivakumar's ascent to the state's top office has been a moment of personal pride, and that the man himself has remained fundamentally unchanged.

A Friendship Rooted in School Days

Madhukar recalled that his bond with Shivakumar stretches back over five decades, to their shared school years. “It is really a matter of happiness that he has reached this position today. I have been his friend since childhood, from around 1969. He is still the same friend he was during our younger days,” Madhukar said. Despite Shivakumar's growing stature as a senior Indian National Congress (INC) leader, Madhukar described him as accessible and consistent. “For us, he remains the same D.K. Shivakumar, just a phone call away. If he is busy, he always calls back,” he added.

Early Political Conviction and Student Activism

According to Madhukar, Shivakumar's political ambitions were evident even in his early school years. “After the sixth or seventh standard itself, he had made it clear that he wanted to join politics,” Madhukar recalled. He described the future Chief Minister as a “firebrand” member of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), actively participating in agitations and student movements. The clarity of purpose, Madhukar suggested, was present long before the corridors of power beckoned.

The Sportsman Who Chose Politics

Madhukar also highlighted a lesser-known side of Shivakumar — his prowess on the sports field. “He was very good at sports, and we wanted him to build a career in that field. However, he was always keen on politics and remained committed to that path,” he said. This detail adds texture to a political biography that tends to focus on Shivakumar's reputation as an organisational strongman within the Congress.

Cricket, KSCA, and the IPL Bengaluru Question

Madhukar confirmed that Shivakumar is a lifetime member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and has consistently backed cricketing activities in the state. He credited Shivakumar with playing a role in bringing IPL matches back to Bengaluru. Responding to Shivakumar's own public remarks about the IPL final being moved away from the city, Madhukar expressed confidence that the situation would not be repeated. “I believe future IPL finals will be played in Bengaluru,” he said.

What to Expect From the New Chief Minister

Madhukar acknowledged that Shivakumar's tenure as Chief Minister will be constrained by time — a reference to the power-sharing arrangement reportedly in place within the ruling Congress coalition in Karnataka. “I believe he will perform well during the next two years. The time available may be short, but he will discharge his responsibilities effectively,” he said. Madhukar confirmed he will be present at the swearing-in ceremony on 3 June in Bengaluru, marking the formal beginning of a political chapter his friend had been working toward since school.