B. K. Hariprasad, a veteran leader, played a pivotal role in steering the Congress party to victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. Despite his significant contributions, he found himself sidelined after the elections. However, his long-standing political career of 41 years proved instrumental as he made a remarkable comeback into the limelight, forging a new path in Karnataka’s political landscape.
Hariprasad’s ascent as the leading figure in the Billava community (OBC) marked a turning point. The Billava community, comprising variants like Billava, Ediga, and Namdharis, had seen influential leaders in the past, including Sarekoppa Bangarappa and B. Janardhana Poojary. With both Bangarappa and Poojary stepping back from politics, Hariprasad emerged as a prominent voice for the community, capturing their hopes for political representation.
Supported by the AHINDA movement, initiated by the eminent Congress leader S. Siddaramiah, Hariprasad gained momentum by challenging Siddaramiah strategically. The Billava-Ediga and Namdhari community, which was dominated by other groups within the Congress ecosystem, now looked to Hariprasad as a beacon of hope for their political prominence.
With the backing of those who lost their ministerial positions, including Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar, Hariprasad positioned himself as a strong opposition against Siddaramaiah’s leadership. The influential Pranavananda Swamiji’s support further bolstered Hariprasad’s standing, as he garnered backing from not just the three variants of the community but also 85 other groups and sub-castes across South India.
Despite his newfound prominence, political analysts remain cautious about the challenges ahead for Hariprasad. His electoral track record has had its ups and downs, including losses in the past. Moreover, the denial of a ministerial berth by the Congress, despite their substantial victory, has left some questioning his party’s recognition of his contributions.
Transitioning from the Rajya Sabha to state politics, Hariprasad assumed the role of leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council. Armed with sharp intellect and exceptional debating skills, he proved to be a formidable force in scrutinising the Government’s actions and holding them accountable. Even his critics in the BJP secretly admired his command over subjects raised in both the Rajya Sabha and the Karnataka Vidhana Parishat (Council).
Despite his capabilities, recent developments have led to Hariprasad being seemingly sidelined within the party, raising eyebrows among many. Yet, his resilience and determination to make a difference in the political landscape continue to shine through. As Hariprasad navigates this new chapter, his journey remains a compelling tale of leadership and the pursuit of political relevance.
The Muslim socio-political outfits like the Karnataka State Muslim Unity has backed him fully and has even demanded a ministerial berth for him in the Siddaramiah government.
“BK Hariprasad, has also been hailed as the true voice of the voiceless and that of minorities, in his 49 years of political career he has never faltered even once or let down the values of secularism says NA Sheikh, the working president of Karnataka State Muslim Unity, he said that he is one of the few politicians who speak loudly in favor of the welfare of the minority communities, be it at the state or national level.”
In the contemporary political context, there are few people who speak as loudly, directly and sternly on the issue of minorities as Hariprasad. He was never uncompromising even when it came to giving status to minorities in the party and Governments, Sheikh added.
Hariprasad, who worked uncompromisingly for the welfare of the minorities while serving as the General Secretary of the AICC for 16 years and in various office-bearers of the Congress party, cannot be mistaken.
Hariprasad was the leader of Opposition in the Vidhan Parishad during the difficult times when the rights of minorities were threatened during the previous BJP Government in the Karnataka, when the Government itself encouraged attacks on minorities. During this period, he was a politician who directly opposed the Government’s move on many issues, including Hijab, Halal, and doing business in Hindu religious places.