BK Hariprasad appointed KPCC chief as DK Shivakumar steps down after becoming Karnataka CM
Bengaluru, June 3
The All India Congress Committee on Wednesday appointed senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad as the new president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, following the resignation of DK Shivakumar after assuming office as the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The appointment was announced through an official order issued by Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal.
According to the notification, Hariprasad's appointment takes effect immediately, marking a key organisational change in the Karnataka Congress after Shivakumar's elevation to the state's top post.
"The party appreciates the contributions of the outgoing PCC President, Shri DK Shivakumar," the official notification stated.
Shivakumar, who had been serving as KPCC president since 2020, played a crucial role in rebuilding the party organisation in Karnataka and leading the Congress to victory in the 2023 Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar formally announced his resignation from the post of KPCC president after taking charge as Karnataka's Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar also announced his resignation as the APCC president.
Earlier in the day, Shivakumar assumed office as the 34th Chief Minister of Karnataka after being sworn in at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. Senior Congress leader G Parameshwara took oath as Deputy Chief Minister, while 13 legislators were inducted into the Council of Ministers.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, religious heads and dignitaries from across the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shivakumar on taking the oath as Chief Minister and assured support from the Centre.
"Congratulations to Shri DK Shivakumar Ji on taking oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka. Best wishes for his tenure. The Centre will work closely with the Karnataka Government for the welfare of the people," he said in a post on X.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also extended his congratulations and acknowledged the contributions of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
"The people of Karnataka placed their trust in us, and that trust remains our greatest responsibility. Warm congratulations to CM Shri DK. Shivakumar ji and the Council of Ministers, who will carry forward the aspirations of the people of Karnataka. My sincere thanks to Shri Siddaramaiah ji, whose leadership and service have strengthened Karnataka and improved millions of lives," Gandhi said.
"The Congress party's guarantees remain the foundation of our governance and commitment to social justice. We will keep listening, delivering, and serving the people of Karnataka," he added.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states - Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (Himachal Pradesh), A Revanth Reddy (Telangana) and VD Satheesan (Keralam) were among the leaders present.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, DKS becomes CM! He has waited so long and worked hard for this. But leadership change in KPCC is also important—hope Hariprasad brings in fresh energy and focuses on grassroots workers instead of just the high command. Karnataka Congress needs to deliver on the guarantees now. 🙏
A bit surprised by this appointment. Hariprasad is a Rajya Sabha member and known as a Kharge loyalist, but his grassroots connect in Karnataka is limited compared to other contenders like Satish Jarkiholi or Rizwan Arshad. However, the party knows best—hope he proves me wrong and strengthens the organisation. Time will tell.
Interesting timing. With Siddaramaiah as CM for two-and-a-half years and DKS as his deputy, having a Dalit Brahmin as KPCC chief could help Congress manage the anti-incumbency from lower castes if they face it later. Smart move by Kharge to keep all factions in check. Let's see if this team clicks.
Hariprasad is a good choice—he's an experienced organiser and has handled tough roles before (like the 2018 Karnataka elections). But my concern is whether he can step out of Kharge's shadow and take independent decisions. Karnataka Congress needs a leader who can stand up to the BJP's aggressive tactics. Let's hope he does well. 💪
Just another Congress musical chairs—rotate leaders, keep everyone happy. Real work is about delivering on the five guarantees that won them the election. People in Karnataka are watching
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