Even as political turbulence continues in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar proved once again why he is known as a loyal friend in political circles. On Wednesday, despite ongoing power tussles and a series of crucial meetings in Bengaluru, Shivakumar flew to Delhi to attend the wedding of former IAS officer Sanjeev Kumar’s son — a gesture rooted in an unusual friendship that began inside Tihar Jail.
Political Heat Rises With DK’s Delhi Visit
As soon as news surfaced that DK Shivakumar was heading to Delhi, political corridors buzzed with speculation of possible leadership changes. However, the Deputy CM clarified before departing that his visit had no political motive and was purely for a private function. When asked about DK’s trip, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “I am not going. If invited, I will go,” further adding to the suspense.
Once DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi, the picture became clear — he was attending the wedding of Sanjeev Kumar’s son, honoring a bond formed years ago under unexpected circumstances.
The Tihar Jail Friendship
DK Shivakumar and former Haryana IAS officer Sanjeev Kumar met during their time in Tihar Jail. Shivakumar was jailed for nearly 50 days in 2019 after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case. Around the same time, Sanjeev Kumar — initially known as a whistleblower — was serving his sentence in the JBT teachers’ recruitment scam, in which former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala was also convicted.
During their time in prison, the two developed a friendship that endured beyond their legal troubles. Fulfilling that bond, Shivakumar made it a point to attend the wedding despite intense political activity back home.
Who Is Sanjeev Kumar?
Sanjeev Kumar, a former IAS officer from Haryana, had first gained attention as a whistleblower but later spent nearly a decade in jail after being convicted in the teachers’ recruitment scam. He was released in 2021 after completing his sentence.
DK Shivakumar, arrested on September 3, 2019, was lodged in Tihar until he was granted bail by the Delhi High Court on October 23. He later claimed that he was jailed for refusing to join the BJP.
Back to Bengaluru After the Function
According to sources, Shivakumar returned to Bengaluru soon after attending the ceremony, keeping in mind the Cabinet Meeting scheduled for Thursday. His brief yet symbolic Delhi visit has once again highlighted both his political significance and his personal loyalty — qualities that continue to keep him at the center of Karnataka’s political landscape.
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