Congress names BK Hariprasad as new KPCC chief, replaces DK Shivakumar
Synopsis
The Congress high command has handed the Karnataka unit to BK Hariprasad — a 72-year-old veteran with a track record of taking on the BJP and, occasionally, his own party's CM. The move ends DK Shivakumar's six-year run as KPCC chief and signals a calibrated rebalancing of the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar power equation in the state.
Key Takeaways
The AICC appointed B.K.
Hariprasad as KPCC President on 3 June , effective immediately.
He replaces Deputy CM D.K.
Shivakumar , who held the post for six consecutive years .
Hariprasad, 72 , is a former Rajya Sabha member and current MLC from the Billava community.
He sparked controversy in 2019 by terming the Pulwama attack ‘match-fixing'.
Shivakumar is credited with leading the Congress to its 2023 Karnataka win.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Wednesday, 3 June, appointed veteran leader B.K. Hariprasad as the new President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), replacing Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The leadership reshuffle marks a significant organisational shift in the state Congress unit, which swept to power in 2023.
The official announcement
The decision was conveyed by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal in a formal order. ‘Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has appointed B.K. Hariprasad is the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, effective immediately. The party appreciates the contributions of outgoing Pradesh Congress President D.K. Shivakumar,' the order stated.
Who is BK Hariprasad
At 72, Hariprasad is a senior Congress hand known for his sharp criticism of Hindutva organisations and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has also publicly aired differences with senior party colleagues, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah — a rift Siddaramaiah is reported to have sought to mend by visiting Hariprasad at his residence.
A former Rajya Sabha member, Hariprasad has held several key positions within the AICC and was considered close to the party high command during the tenure of the late Ahmed Patel. According to party insiders, his national-level clout reportedly waned after Patel's death, prompting a sharper focus on Karnataka politics.
Born in Bengaluru and a commerce graduate, Hariprasad belongs to the Billava community and had earlier contested the Lok Sabha seat of Bengaluru South unsuccessfully against the late BJP leader Ananth Kumar. He currently serves as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC); with his term ending later this month, the Congress has nominated him for the upcoming Council elections.
A controversial past
Hariprasad had triggered a national row with his remarks on the 2019 Pulwama attack, which he described as ‘match-fixing' — a comment that drew sharp condemnation from political opponents at the time.
Why Shivakumar steps aside
Shivakumar had earlier submitted his resignation as KPCC chief to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge after assuming the post of Deputy Chief Minister in the Karnataka cabinet. He held the KPCC presidency for six consecutive years, criss-crossing the state to rebuild the organisation — a campaign widely credited with powering the Congress to its 2023 Assembly victory.
What's next
The appointment lands at a politically delicate moment for the Karnataka Congress, which is navigating internal equations between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps. Hariprasad's elevation signals the high command's attempt to install a neutral, veteran face at the helm of the state unit ahead of crucial organisational rebuilds and the Council polls.
Point of View
The AICC is trying to neutralise faction lines that have been fraying the Karnataka unit since 2023. But Hariprasad's history of friction with Siddaramaiah, and his polarising Pulwama remark, mean he arrives with baggage the BJP will be quick to weaponise. The real question is whether he can hold the organisation together — or merely preside over a fresh round of factional realignment.
NationPress
19 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new KPCC President?
Veteran Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad has been appointed as the new President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), effective 3 June. He replaces Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Why did DK Shivakumar step down as KPCC chief?
Shivakumar resigned from the KPCC presidency after assuming the post of Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. He had submitted his resignation to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge earlier.
What is BK Hariprasad known for?
Hariprasad is a 72-year-old veteran known for his strong criticism of Hindutva organisations and the BJP. He is a former Rajya Sabha MP, a current MLC, and was considered close to the party high command during the late Ahmed Patel's tenure.
What controversy is linked to BK Hariprasad?
Hariprasad drew widespread criticism in 2019 after describing the Pulwama terror attack as ‘match-fixing'. The remark triggered a national political row at the time.
What does this change mean for the Karnataka Congress?
The appointment is the high command's attempt to balance the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps by installing a neutral veteran at the state unit's helm. It comes ahead of Legislative Council elections and a phase of organisational rebuilding.
