B.K. Hariprasad Takes Charge As New Karnataka Congress President at Bengaluru Convention
Senior leader B.K. Hariprasad has formally taken over as the Karnataka Congress president from D.K. Shivakumar. The transition, attended by top national and state leaders, aims to unify the party for upcoming local body elections and the 2028 Assembly polls.
Highlights
- •Senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad has officially taken charge as the Karnataka Congress president.
- •Outgoing KPCC chief and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar formally handed over the party flag during a Bengaluru convention.
- •The event saw the attendance of key party leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Siddaramaiah.
- •The leadership change is set to kickstart the party's campaign for local elections and the 2028 Assembly polls.
In a significant political development, senior Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad has officially assumed his role as the president of the Karnataka Congress. The transition of power took place during a large-scale convention held in Bengaluru on Sunday, marking a new chapter for the party in the state.
During the formal ceremony, the outgoing Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and current Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, handed over the leadership duties. As a symbolic gesture of the transfer, Shivakumar presented the official party flag to Hariprasad, confirming his new responsibilities at the helm of the organization.
Transition and Strategic Goals for Karnataka Congress
The appointment of B.K. Hariprasad as Karnataka Congress president follows the resignation of D.K. Shivakumar from the post. Shivakumar had continued to manage party affairs alongside his duties as Chief Minister since his appointment in 2020. The 71-year-old Hariprasad, who represents the Billava community as an OBC leader, was officially appointed to this crucial position on June 3. Just days before the ceremony, he was also re-elected as a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council.
The event drew a high-profile audience, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala. Numerous state ministers, legislators, and party functionaries were also present to witness the leadership change.
The leadership believes that this appointment serves as a strategic launchpad for upcoming electoral battles. The party is preparing to mobilize its cadre for several key contests, including elections for five city corporations under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), as well as upcoming polls for zilla and taluk panchayats. These efforts are viewed as vital groundwork leading up to the major 2028 Assembly elections in the state.
Hariprasad brings extensive political experience to the role, having previously served as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Furthermore, his background includes managing party affairs as an AICC in-charge for Haryana and various other states, suggesting a focus on organizational strengthening. The Karnataka Congress leadership is expected to leverage his experience to navigate the evolving political landscape and maintain a cohesive strategy as the state moves toward future electoral challenges.
