Basavaraj Horatti resigns as Legislative Council Chairman

Bengaluru: Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti on Friday resigned from his constitutional post, bringing an end to speculation over a possible no-confidence motion against him. His resignation comes after the ruling Congress secured a majority in the Legislative Council and initiated efforts to install its own nominee as Chairman.

Although Horatti had earlier announced that he would resign on August 14 during the Assembly session, he advanced his decision following a meeting with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the Chairman’s chamber in Vidhana Soudha. Soon after the discussions, Horatti submitted his resignation, stating in his letter that he was stepping down voluntarily.

Since the post of Deputy Chairman is currently vacant, Horatti submitted his resignation to the Secretary of the Legislative Council. The Secretary accepted the resignation and issued an official notification declaring the Chairman’s post vacant.

Speaking to reporters after stepping down, Horatti said he had been requested to resign immediately and therefore chose to do so. “I had already decided to resign, though I had planned to do it on August 14. There is some disappointment because my tenure has ended before completion. I was asked to resign, and I have done so,” he said.

Political developments had gathered pace after Congress obtained a clear majority in the Upper House following the recent elections to four vacant seats. The party is now expected to elect one of its own members as the new Chairman. Senior Congress leader Salim Ahmed has emerged as the frontrunner for the post. The resignation marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the Legislative Council, enabling the ruling Congress to occupy another key constitutional office.