As DK Shivakumar's elevation as Karnataka Chief Minister appears imminent, the battle for the KPCC president's post has intensified, with BK Hariprasad emerging as a surprise contender
Bengaluru: Political activity within the Karnataka Congress has intensified ahead of the crucial Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled for Saturday, where Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is widely expected to be elected as the new legislature party leader and the party's choice for Chief Minister.
While attention remains focused on the leadership transition in Karnataka, a parallel contest is now unfolding over the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, a position currently held by DK Shivakumar. The latest political developments have brought veteran Congress leader B K Hariprasad into the spotlight as a potential candidate for the influential organisational role.
Until recently, the race for the KPCC presidency was believed to be centered around senior Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi. However, party sources indicate that BK Hariprasad's name has now emerged as a serious contender, triggering fresh political calculations within the state unit.
Discussions within Congress circles suggest that Hariprasad could be considered for the position under the party's broader social representation strategy, particularly with a focus on Other Backward Classes (OBC) representation.
Party insiders indicate that if Satish Jarkiholi continues to push for a cabinet berth alongside the KPCC presidency, the Congress high command may explore alternative options, with Hariprasad's candidature gaining momentum.
There are also reports that senior Congress leader K C Venugopal is viewed as being supportive of Hariprasad's elevation, although no official decision has been announced.
"The leadership transition has opened discussions not only about the Chief Minister's post but also about the future organisational structure of the Karnataka Congress."
The Congress high command is reportedly facing a delicate balancing act as it seeks to finalize key appointments following the leadership transition.
Satish Jarkiholi has been considered one of the strongest aspirants for the KPCC president's post from the outset. However, sources suggest that his reported demand for both a ministerial position and the party presidency has complicated the selection process.
The Congress leadership has consistently promoted a "one person, one post" principle in several states, limiting the possibility of leaders holding multiple influential positions simultaneously.
Political observers believe this policy could play a decisive role in determining who eventually takes charge of the Karnataka Congress organisation.
Sources close to the developments indicate that Satish Jarkiholi's position is influenced by political considerations in his home district of Belagavi.
According to party insiders, Jarkiholi is believed to be concerned that accepting only the KPCC president's role without a government position could weaken his influence in district-level politics.
There is speculation that if other influential leaders such as Lakshmi Hebbalkar or Lakshman Savadi gain greater administrative prominence in the region, it could affect Jarkiholi's political standing and his broader AHINDA-based support network.
These considerations are reportedly shaping his negotiations with the party leadership as Congress works to finalise its new political structure.
The CLP meeting scheduled in Bengaluru is expected to formally endorse DK Shivakumar as the legislature party leader, paving the way for the formation of a new government in Karnataka.
Alongside the Chief Ministerial transition, discussions regarding cabinet formation, organisational appointments, and the future leadership of the KPCC are expected to dominate the party's internal deliberations.
With multiple senior leaders in contention and the Congress high command seeking to maintain social and regional balance, the decision on the next KPCC president could become one of the most significant political appointments in Karnataka in the coming days.
"The outcome of the leadership restructuring will determine not only the government's direction but also the Congress party's organizational strategy ahead of future elections."
