Shiva-Hari equation may test Congress unity

Bengaluru: For much of the past decade, new Karnataka Congress president BK Hariprasad was seen as being politically closer to DK Shivakumar than to Siddaramaiah. Both frequently found themselves on the same side of organisational battles when Siddaramaiah dominated the legislature wing and Shivakumar controlled the party apparatus.

Now, with Hariprasad taking over as KPCC president and Shivakumar moving to the CM’s office, the focus is on how the two will navigate a relationship that has been strained in recent years.

Ironically, Hariprasad is said to have secured the post largely due to Siddaramaiah’s backing. The former CM is said to have pushed for Hariprasad over minister Satish Jarkiholi, a move that has surprised many, especially given the long-standing political association between the former CM and Jarkiholi.

Political observers note that during the run-up to the 2023 elections, when Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar emerged as two distinct centres of authority in Karnataka Congress, Hariprasad was widely viewed as aligned with Shivakumar’s camp. His strong organisational credentials and links with national party brass strengthened that perception. Then, the equation changed.

Hariprasad, who was among functionaries hoping to secure a cabinet berth, was left out of the Siddaramaiah govt in 2023. Initially, his criticism was directed largely at Siddaramaiah and his supporters, triggering sharp responses in return.

However, as the tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar intensified and the party split into camps, Hariprasad gradually positioned himself as an independent voice. In 2024, amid controversies surrounding the govt, he publicly called for accountability and raised concerns over issues affecting the party’s image. He was increasingly viewed as part of a group of seniors seeking to stay above the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar rivalry.

As the succession debate gathered momentum through 2025 and early 2026, Hariprasad’s relationship with Shivakumar appeared to cool. Sources said he became increasingly critical of Shivakumar’s dual role in party and govt and favoured a stronger role for senior functionaries.

Meanwhile, his ties with Siddaramaiah gradually warmed. As CM, Siddaramaiah twice visited Hariprasad’s residence, and the shift became more evident during the recent CM transition. While Shivakumar secured the CM post, the Congress high command entrusted Hariprasad with the KPCC presidency. The move is widely viewed as an attempt to balance authority between the govt and the organisation while also preventing Jarkiholi from emerging as the party’s organisational chief.

Hariprasad reinforced that perception with his first remarks as KPCC president, suggesting those seeking power should go with Shivakumar. Though he clarified that he was merely referring to a division of responsibilities, the comments were interpreted as a signal that the party organisation would function independently of the govt.

Political strategist MB Maramkal cautioned that if the two fail to work together, it could create dual centres of authority within the party, making coordination between the govt and party organisation critical in future elections. “But it is too early to judge,” he said.