Kharge also stated that the Chief Minister will make decisions regarding cabinet portfolios.

Addressing the media, Kharge said, “BK Hariprasad is a staunch Congress man. His ideology is clear, and we all stand by him. The CM will decide on the portfolios.” He also cautioned about an economic crisis, adding, “The economic crisis is real. They are selling the country’s gold. The people will realise this and come out on the streets.”

On June 3, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) appointed senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad as the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), following the resignation of DK Shivakumar who assumed office as Karnataka’s Chief Minister. The appointment was announced via an official order from Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal.

The notification indicated that Hariprasad’s appointment was effective immediately, marking a significant organisational transition for the Karnataka Congress after Shivakumar’s elevation. It also expressed appreciation for the efforts of outgoing KPCC president DK Shivakumar.

Shivakumar had served as KPCC president since 2020, playing a pivotal role in rebuilding the party organisation in Karnataka and steering the Congress to victory in the 2023 Assembly elections.

Upon his appointment, Hariprasad expressed his gratitude, stating, “I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to AICC President @kharge who appointed me to the position of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee President; to my most beloved leader Smt. Sonia Gandhi, who placed her love, trust, and faith in me and entrusted me with this responsibility; to Shri @RahulGandhi, the Leader of the Opposition; to AICC Organization General Secretary @kcvenugopalmp; to AICC General Secretary @priyankagandhi and to KPCC State In-Charge @rssurjewala.” He added, “This decision by the Congress party’s central leadership is not merely the conferment of a position upon one individual. I believe it is a clear message in favour of the Congress party’s foundational principles–social justice, secularism, democracy, constitutionalism, and the empowerment of weaker sections.”

Following his swearing-in as Chief Minister, Shivakumar formally resigned from the KPCC president post. Earlier on June 3, Shivakumar was sworn in as the 34th Chief Minister of Karnataka during a ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru. Senior Congress leader G Parameshwara took oath as Deputy Chief Minister, and 13 legislators were inducted into the Council of Ministers. The event was attended by senior Congress leaders, religious heads, and dignitaries from across India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Shivakumar on X, stating, “Congratulations to Shri DK Shivakumar Ji on taking oath as Chief Minister of Karnataka. Best wishes for his tenure. The Centre will work closely with the Karnataka Government for the welfare of the people.” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also congratulated Shivakumar and recognised the contributions of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.