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Hariprasad explained that the energy and occasional turbulence surrounding the state president are simply natural by-products of a powerful momentum
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
The political corridors of Karnataka are buzzing following a vivid metaphorical intervention by senior Congress leader BK Hariprasad, who has sought to redefine the leadership image of KPCC president and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar.
Moving away from the long-standing ‘Rock’ moniker often used by supporters to describe Shivakumar’s resilience, Hariprasad introduced a more kinetic comparison, characterising the deputy chief minister as a high-powered locomotive. The veteran leader, who recently returned from discussions with the AICC high command in New Delhi, suggested that this new “Railway Engine” persona better reflects Shivakumar’s role in pulling the party forward through the state’s complex political landscape.
Hariprasad explained that the energy and occasional turbulence surrounding the state president are simply natural by-products of a powerful momentum. He observed that “Shivakumar has to be called a railway engine instead of a rock because he is taking the party ahead”.
Drawing a parallel to the sensory experience of a busy terminal, he noted that “when the railway engine nears a station, there will be a lot of commotion; people selling papers and tea will be making noise, and the train itself arrives with a noise, but once it leaves, everything will settle down”.
By this logic, Hariprasad framed the current political “noise and commotion” in Karnataka as a sign of progress rather than instability, asserting that such intensity is inevitable whenever a significant force is in motion.
However, the metaphor served as both a tribute and a stern administrative reminder. While praising the “engine” for its drive, Hariprasad issued a sharp cautionary note regarding the party’s overall governance, stating that a single train cannot travel on two different tracks at once. This reference to the perceived friction between different power centers in the state unit underscored his call for a unified direction. He emphasised that while local leaders provide the horsepower, the ultimate authority to set the route remains with the central leadership, asserting that :only Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi can make a decision” regarding the party’s future and the resolution of any leadership tussle.
In a move to reassure the party rank and file, Hariprasad dismissed any suggestions that the national leadership is disconnected from state affairs. He clarified that the AICC is far from helpless and is maintaining a watchful eye on the ground realities in Karnataka. While the high command is currently opting for a consultative and advisory approach, Hariprasad warned that they are fully prepared to take decisive action to ensure the “train” of the Karnataka Congress remains firmly on a single, disciplined track.
As the state moves toward future electoral challenges, the “Railway Engine” metaphor has set a new tone for the internal dialogue, emphasising speed and power while demanding absolute adherence to the central signal.
February 16, 2026, 16:38 IST
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