Priyank Kharge Urges Patience on Karnataka Cabinet Portfolios, Backs Hariprasad’s Elevation as KPCC Chief

Bengaluru, June 2026 : Senior Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday indicated that the long-awaited allocation of portfolios in the newly formed state Cabinet could be finalised by the evening, while cautioning against relying on media speculation regarding ministerial assignments.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge clarified that no final decision had yet been taken on the distribution of departments among ministers in the government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

“Ministerial allocations have not been made so far. Much of what is being reported in the media is based on speculation. The Chief Minister has assured that a decision may be taken by this evening, so we will have to wait and see,” he said.

His remarks come amid intense political interest over the composition of the new Cabinet and the allocation of key portfolios, including the Home, Finance and Revenue departments.

Kharge stressed that public representatives should focus on fulfilling their responsibilities rather than seeking specific positions. According to him, every role in government provides an opportunity to serve citizens and contribute to the state’s development.

“There is no such thing as a small or big post. Whatever responsibility is entrusted to an individual should be accepted with commitment and used as a platform to serve the people,” he said.

Responding to questions about speculation that he could be assigned the influential Home portfolio, Kharge downplayed the significance of individual office-holders and emphasised the primacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.

“No matter who becomes the Home Minister, governance must function within the framework of the Constitution and the law. Nobody can act beyond legal and constitutional boundaries,” he remarked.

Kharge also strongly defended the appointment of veteran Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad as the new president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), describing him as a seasoned and disciplined party worker with decades of organisational experience.

According to Kharge, Hariprasad’s political journey reflects the values of the Congress organisation, having risen through the ranks from grassroots-level positions in the Seva Dal and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) before taking on major responsibilities within the party structure.

“He is a disciplined soldier of the Congress party. He began his political career at the grassroots level and has served in various organisational capacities, including as a general secretary and in-charge of several states. His ideology is closely aligned with that of the Congress,” Kharge said.

He highlighted Hariprasad’s extensive experience in handling party affairs across multiple states, including Gujarat, Assam, Haryana and Karnataka, adding that such exposure would prove valuable in strengthening the party organisation in the state.

“It is a proud moment that an ordinary party worker has risen to such an important position. His experience and organisational skills will help consolidate and strengthen the Congress in Karnataka,” he added.

Addressing reports of dissatisfaction within the party over leadership appointments, Kharge dismissed suggestions of internal confusion and said Congress leaders were prepared to accept whatever responsibilities were assigned to them by the party leadership.

He noted that both Satish Jarkiholi and Hariprasad had expressed their willingness to shoulder any role entrusted to them.

“Some reports suggest there is confusion within the party, but that is not the case. We are all ready to take up any responsibility assigned to us. The media is unnecessarily speculating about organisational and leadership matters,” Kharge said.

His comments come against the backdrop of renewed discussions within the Congress after Hariprasad’s appointment as KPCC chief, a position for which Jarkiholi had publicly expressed interest on several occasions. Despite such speculation, party leaders have sought to project unity as the new government begins its tenure under Shivakumar’s leadership.