B.K. Hariprasad Appointed Karnataka Congress Chief, Succeeds D.K. Shivakumar

Bengaluru, June 2026 : The Congress on Wednesday announced a major organisational reshuffle in Karnataka, appointing senior party leader B.K. Hariprasad as the new President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). He succeeds Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who stepped down from the party post after assuming the state’s top executive office.

The appointment was formally announced by All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal. In an official statement, he said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had approved Hariprasad’s appointment with immediate effect and expressed appreciation for Shivakumar’s contribution as KPCC chief.

Hariprasad, 72, is regarded as one of the Congress party’s most experienced leaders and has held several important organisational and parliamentary positions over the years. Known for his outspoken views, he has frequently targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hindutva organisations. He has also, at times, openly differed with senior leaders within his own party, including former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

One such disagreement had generated significant political attention, eventually prompting Siddaramaiah to personally visit Hariprasad’s residence to discuss and resolve the issue. Despite occasional differences, Hariprasad has remained an influential figure within the Congress organisation.

For many years, he was considered among the leaders closest to the Congress high command, particularly during the tenure of the late Ahmed Patel, one of the party’s most influential strategists. Following Patel’s demise, Hariprasad’s role in national politics reportedly diminished, leading him to focus more actively on Karnataka politics.

Born in Bengaluru and educated as a commerce graduate, Hariprasad belongs to the Billava community and has represented the Congress in both organisational and electoral politics. He has served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha and currently holds a seat in the Karnataka Legislative Council. Although his present term is nearing completion, the Congress has once again nominated him for the upcoming Council elections.

Hariprasad had also attracted national attention in the past over controversial remarks related to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, comments that drew criticism from political opponents.

His appointment comes at a crucial time for the Congress in Karnataka. D.K. Shivakumar, who led the KPCC for six years, played a central role in rebuilding the party organisation across the state. Through extensive grassroots outreach and organisational strengthening, he was instrumental in the Congress’ return to power in the 2023 Assembly elections.

With Hariprasad now taking charge of the state unit, the Congress leadership appears to be seeking a balance between experienced organisational leadership and governance. Political observers believe his appointment could shape the party’s strategy as it prepares for upcoming electoral and organisational challenges in Karnataka.