Bengaluru: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly reprimanded party workers during the swearing-in ceremony of BK Hariprasad as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president after slogans in support of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar repeatedly interrupted the programme.
The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, unfolded when a section of party workers began raising “DK-DK” chants during the ceremony. An irritated Kharge immediately intervened, urging them to maintain discipline and respect the purpose of the event.
The Congress chief emphasised that the function was organised to strengthen the party and not to promote any individual leader.
Kharge loses patience with slogan-shouting workers
As the chants continued, Kharge sharply criticised the workers for disrupting the proceedings.
“Keep quiet! Sit down. It’s as if the whole country has come into your hands. Useless fellows!” he said while addressing the gathering.
The veteran Congress leader appeared visibly upset as repeated slogans interrupted speeches and formal proceedings during the ceremony.
Video footage from the event also showed Chief Minister DK Shivakumar attempting to calm supporters by gesturing to them to remain seated and stop shouting slogans.
Congress chief stresses party unity
Kharge reminded workers that the Congress organisation is larger than any individual leader and urged them to focus on strengthening the party.
“This is a Congress party meeting. It is not a meeting meant for any one individual,” he said.
According to Kharge, party events should be conducted in a manner that reflects collective responsibility and organisational discipline.
He questioned the purpose of holding a party programme if supporters of different leaders continued to raise competing slogans during official events.
The remarks underscored the Congress leadership’s effort to project unity at a time when the Karnataka unit is attempting to move beyond internal factionalism.
Warning of disciplinary action
Kharge also issued a stern warning to those responsible for disrupting the programme.
Highlighting the importance of discipline within the organisation, he said footage from the event would be reviewed and action could follow against those found responsible.
“Remember, discipline is always necessary for the party. Whoever is shouting here, there will be footage. I will take disciplinary action after reviewing the footage,” he said.
The warning reflects the Congress leadership’s intent to maintain order and prevent public displays of factional rivalry.
BK Hariprasad takes charge as KPCC chief
The ceremony was organised to mark the swearing-in of BK Hariprasad as the new president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee.
Party leaders and workers from across the state attended the event, which was intended to signal a fresh organisational beginning ahead of future electoral battles.
However, the slogan-shouting episode drew attention away from the formal proceedings and highlighted lingering divisions within sections of the party’s state unit.
Karnataka Congress seeks stability after leadership transition
The incident comes at a time when the Congress is attempting to stabilise its Karnataka unit following a period of intense internal competition over leadership positions.
After the party’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar were seen as contenders for the chief minister’s post.
The Congress leadership eventually selected Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, while Shivakumar was appointed Deputy Chief Minister.
Speculation about a power-sharing arrangement persisted for months, with reports suggesting that Shivakumar would take over midway through the government’s term.
As the government completed its two-and-a-half-year mark, pressure reportedly mounted from Shivakumar’s supporters, leading to renewed discussions within the party leadership.
Subsequently, Siddaramaiah stepped down, paving the way for Shivakumar to assume the office of Chief Minister.
Focus shifts to party organisation
With leadership issues largely settled, the Congress is now focused on strengthening its organisational structure and preparing for future elections.
The appointment of BK Hariprasad as state unit chief is part of that broader effort.
Party leaders have repeatedly stressed the importance of unity, discipline and coordinated campaigning as the Congress seeks to retain its political strength in Karnataka.
Kharge’s remarks at the ceremony appeared aimed at reinforcing that message and discouraging public displays of factional loyalty.
Conclusion
Mallikarjun Kharge’s sharp rebuke of slogan-shouting Congress workers highlighted the party leadership’s emphasis on discipline and unity. As the Karnataka Congress begins a new organisational chapter under BK Hariprasad, the leadership is seeking to shift attention from internal rivalries towards strengthening the party ahead of future electoral challenges.