BK Hariprasad Draws Line Between Government and Party, Says ‘Those Seeking Power Can Go With DK Shivakumar’
Bengaluru, June 4: Newly appointed Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad has delivered a strong political message to party workers and leaders, drawing a clear distinction between government positions and party organisation.
Speaking after meeting Deputy Chief Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, Hariprasad said leaders aspiring for power and positions in the government could align with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, while those committed to strengthening the Congress organisation should work alongside him.
“Those who want power and positions can go with D.K. Shivakumar. Those who want to strengthen the Congress party, uphold its ideology and build the organisation should come with me,” Hariprasad said.
The veteran Congress leader clarified that his remarks should not be viewed as a division within the party but as an effort to balance governance and organisational responsibilities.
Hariprasad emphasized that Congress workers must actively participate in public movements and strengthen the party at the grassroots level to support the struggles being led by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi.
“When Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are fighting for the people, we too must take that struggle to the streets and strengthen their hands,” he said.
The newly appointed KPCC chief also stressed the need to maintain a balance between the government and the party organisation, stating that both must work together while performing their respective roles effectively.
His comments come at a time when discussions are underway within the Congress over accommodating senior leaders who could not find a place in the newly expanded Karnataka cabinet headed by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Political observers see Hariprasad’s remarks as an indication that the Congress high command may increasingly focus on strengthening the party structure while the government handles administrative responsibilities.
In a separate social media post, Hariprasad thanked the Congress high command for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Karnataka Congress.
“The decision of the Congress leadership is not about an individual. It is a message in favour of the party’s core principles of social justice, secularism, democracy, constitutional values and empowerment of weaker sections,” he said.
Hariprasad further stated that he has never pursued politics for positions or power and has dedicated his political life to the ideology of the Congress party.
“Principles are bigger than power. Public interest is more important than positions. I accept the responsibility of KPCC President with great humility and commitment,” he added.
His appointment as KPCC President is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the relationship between the newly formed Karnataka government and the Congress organisation in the coming months.
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