Basavaraj Horatti to resign as Legislative Council Chairman on August 14

Bengaluru: Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has agreed to step down from his constitutional post and announced that he will formally submit his resignation on August 14, bringing an end to days of political speculation over the future of the chairmanship.

Speaking to reporters, Horatti said he would continue in office during the first day of the Monsoon Session, which begins on August 13 and is expected to be devoted to obituary references. He said he would resign on the second day of the session, immediately after the election to the post of Deputy Chairman.

The development follows sustained efforts by the Congress leadership to secure the chairmanship after the party gained numerical strength in the Legislative Council.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reportedly conveyed that the decision was taken by the Congress high command and requested Horatti to vacate the post.

Sources said senior ministers, including Satish Jarkiholi, Cheluvarayaswamy, Zameer Ahmed Khan, U.T. Khader and N.A. Harris, had urged the Chief Minister not to disturb the existing arrangement. However, Shivakumar is said to have stood by the high command’s decision.

Speaking to reporters Horatti expressed disappointment over the manner in which the issue was handled.

He said constitutional offices should not be subjected to political pressure or treated disrespectfully.

The Chief Minister informed me that the high command had directed that I should resign. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also indicated that he would not intervene in the matter,” Horatti said.

He added that although he would relinquish the chairmanship, he would continue to serve as a Member of the Legislative Council. Horatti further said that suggestions implying a lack of confidence in him had deeply hurt him. “I do not wish to continue in such an atmosphere. That is why I have decided to resign,” he said.