Veteran OBC leader B K Hariprasad has been appointed as the new president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), succeeding the outgoing chief. The decision, announced on June 3, 2026, comes as the party seeks to strengthen its outreach to the AHINDA (Alpasankhyatara, Hindulida, Dalita) communities—an acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits—which form a crucial vote bank in the state.
Strategic Appointment Ahead of Elections
The Congress high command has entrusted Hariprasad with the task of consolidating the party's base among OBCs, minorities, and Dalits, a key electoral strategy for the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Hariprasad, a seasoned politician with decades of experience, has served as a Rajya Sabha member and held various organizational roles within the party. His appointment is seen as a move to counter the BJP's growing influence among backward classes and to revive the Congress's fortunes in Karnataka.
Hariprasad's Political Journey
B K Hariprasad began his political career as a student leader and rose through the ranks to become a prominent OBC face of the Congress. He has previously served as the KPCC working president and as the chairman of the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission. His deep understanding of caste dynamics and grassroots connect are expected to help the party regain lost ground.
The outgoing KPCC chief had faced criticism for the party's poor performance in recent by-elections and local body polls. The change in leadership is part of a broader organizational reshuffle aimed at injecting new energy into the state unit.
Challenges Ahead
Hariprasad takes over at a time when the Congress is grappling with internal factionalism and a resurgent BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party also faces the challenge of countering the popularity of regional outfits like the Janata Dal (Secular). However, party insiders express confidence that Hariprasad's experience and inclusive approach will help bridge divides and build a united front.
Reactions from Political Circles
Senior Congress leaders have welcomed the appointment, describing Hariprasad as a 'grassroots leader' and a 'true representative of the backward classes.' State Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said, 'B K Hariprasad's appointment reflects the party's commitment to social justice and inclusive growth.' Meanwhile, opposition parties have dismissed the move as a 'damage control exercise' and accused the Congress of neglecting other communities.
The new KPCC chief is expected to hit the ground running, with a series of public meetings and organizational meetings planned in the coming weeks. His first major test will be the upcoming gram panchayat elections, where the Congress hopes to make significant gains.
