BENGALURU: The question emerging from chief minister DK Shivakumar’s pattern of touring regions, addressing local issues and holding cabinet meetings across the state is whether it can help him build a pan-Karnataka presence.The strategy has gained significance in recent weeks, with Shivakumar touring north Karnataka amid drought concerns and visiting Kalaburagi for the Kalyana Karnataka Utsava. He also turned to the Western Ghats, visiting Shivamogga to seek residents’ views on the K Kasturirangan Committee report before the state informs the Centre of its final position on the issue.Govt’s first cabinet meeting in Mangaluru had a strong regional flavour. The cabinet granted Tulu the status of Karnataka’s second additional administrative language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, approved a special Coastal-Malnad tourism policy and cleared proposals worth Rs 32,611 crore.Shivakumar has indicated 10-12 such meetings over the next 15 months, saying every region must get attention and the govt will go where needed. Rather than waiting for regional demands to reach Bengaluru, he is taking the machinery to them. But will it make him a mass leader?Direct connection“Politics is as much about optics as organisation, and a CM who meets farmers, chairs regional cabinet meetings and announces decisions there builds a direct connection with local aspirations,” said senior Congress functionaries.In drought-hit areas, Shivakumar spoke about crop losses, water and power concerns. At the Kalaburagi Utsava, which marked Hyderabad-Karnataka liberation day, he announced a Kalyana Karnataka economy mission, a bio economy mission, a two-year anti-anaemia campaign, a 30-acre IT park and several infrastructure projects for the seven districts.The Western Ghats outreach is different: The tension is between environmental restrictions and concerns of residents over proposed ecosensitive zones. Meeting people before finalising the govt’s position puts Shivakumar in a debate with significant consequences for communities in the Malnad region.Vokkaliga identityThis could help him expand beyond Bengaluru and the Vokkaliga-dominated areas where his influence has traditionally been discussed.Whether visibility translates into statewide political capital is another question. Former minister KN Rajanna recently suggested Shivakumar’s influence alone cannot determine electoral behaviour, pointing out that JD(S) patriarch HD Deve Gowda continues to wield far more influence among the Vokkaliga community.Political strategist MB Maramkal said sustained regional engagement could help Shivakumar build a wider identity, while Vishwas Shetty, a political analyst, said taking governance outside Bengaluru may not automatically translate into electoral influence. “CM charisma and credibility, caste support, community networks, candidate strength and long-term govt performance matter more,” he said. “Whether these visits produce tangible outcomes and sustained connect for Shivakumar will be known after the 2028 assembly polls.”
