BK Hariprasad Tells Congress Workers Seeking Power To Go With DK Shivakumar
On Thursday, newly appointed Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president BK Hariprasad sparked intense political debate in Bengaluru after telling party members that those seeking power and positions should align themselves with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Speaking on his first day in office, the 71-year-old Member of Legislative Council (MLC) drew a clear distinction between the state government and the party organisation.
Addressing Congress members, Hariprasad issued a direct challenge regarding the direction of the party. "Those who want power and position, go with DK Shivakumar. Those who want to strengthen Congress party and the hands of Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, come with me," he said.
The remarks were widely interpreted by political observers as a challenge to the leadership. However, Hariprasad later clarified his comments, explaining that they were only meant to reflect the necessity of sharing responsibilities between the administration and the party organisation.
The veteran leader, who officially replaced Shivakumar as the state Congress chief on Wednesday, stressed that he had not sought any ministerial post for himself. Hariprasad described himself as a disciplined party worker committed to the ideology and constitution of the Congress party.
Hariprasad outlined his immediate priorities, which include fighting against the "removal of genuine voters" through the Special Intensive Revision process. He also spoke on the necessity of safeguarding the "idea of India" against external political pressures.
During his speech, Hariprasad accused both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of actively weakening democratic processes. He urged party workers to take the fight to the streets to strengthen the national leadership of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Looking forward, Hariprasad expressed strong confidence that the Congress party would emerge victorious in the 2028 Karnataka assembly elections.
