Sunil Kanugolu has been appointed as chief adviser to Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, holding a Cabinet rank. He is recognized for his strategic prowess, particularly evident in the 2023 Assembly elections where his 'PayCM' campaign successfully challenged the BJP. His expertise has made him a sought-after figure, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressing interest in having him on his team for upcoming civic polls. Kanugolu has a diverse political background, having worked with various parties including the BJP, DMK, and AIADMK, which has solidified his reputation as a versatile strategist. His firm, Mindshare Analytics, has been instrumental in shaping Congress' successful campaigns in Karnataka and Telangana. Additionally, Kanugolu's team conducted detailed constituency-level surveys in Kerala, projecting significant gains for the United Democratic Front in the 2026 assembly polls. His ability to navigate complex political landscapes has made him a key player in Congress' future strategies.