Congress Poll Strategist Sunil Kanugolu Retained As Chief Adviser To CM Amid Shivakumar Cabinet Woes

Sunil Kanugolu Continues as Chief Adviser to CM Amid Political Turmoil

Sunil Kanugolu has been confirmed as the chief adviser to Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, despite the ongoing challenges within the cabinet. His previous stint as chief adviser to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was limited to providing insights rather than engaging in political strategy or policymaking. While Kanugolu is an integral member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), his primary role remains that of a poll strategist, gathering essential data across various states to shape the party’s electoral campaigns and public perception.

Despite the temptation to outsource political strategies, Congress is cautious about entrusting significant decision-making to external consultants. A party insider remarked,

“Unlike other parties or leaders like Uddhav Thackeray and Jagan Mohan Reddy, we do not give full control to outside agencies. Our ideology and working style are very different.”

Kanugolu, who previously led the BJP-affiliated Association of Brilliant Minds, now heads Mindshare Analytics based in Hyderabad.

In 2023, he notably received a “cabinet rank” in Karnataka, a designation reserved for a select few non-elected officials, granting him various privileges. He played a crucial role in developing the “40 percent commission government” campaign that became a pivotal element of the Congress' strategy for the recent assembly elections. Following this success, Kanugolu was dispatched to Telangana, where his efforts were instrumental in the Congress securing power there as well.

While he has enjoyed considerable access within the party, his role in Karnataka has primarily been advisory. Sources indicate that his interactions with Siddaramaiah were limited, with the adviser often providing feedback on government programs rather than strategic counsel.

“He has met Siddaramaiah, but not because the CM needed advice,”

said a former CMO staffer, emphasizing Kanugolu’s role in gathering voter insights prior to elections.

After Siddaramaiah's departure, many cabinet ranks were dissolved, yet Kanugolu quickly sought a similar advisory position in Telangana. Despite his efforts, no formal appointment has been made. Observers believe his role under Shivakumar will mirror his past duties. Known for his close relationship with AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Kanugolu maintains a core team of trusted aides to support his operations across multiple states.

From 2021 to 2023, Kanugolu’s team operated in several states, although cooperation was not universal. In Rajasthan, for instance, Ashok Gehlot denied his team resources due to tensions with the party’s leadership. Conversely, in states like Karnataka and Telangana, he was granted more autonomy. Though Kanugolu has established a significant operational presence, he prefers to keep a low profile, engaging directly with leaders only when necessary.

Kanugolu's approach to meetings is methodical, often conducting extensive discussions before key decision-making events like ticket distributions. Sources reveal he typically participates in several lengthy meetings to scrutinize candidate selection thoroughly, embodying a detailed-oriented strategy that aims to ensure the Congress's electoral success across various regions.