Basavaraj Horatti Resigns as Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Under Pressure From Congress

By Political Bureau

Bangalore Mail

BENGALURU: In a major political development in Karnataka, veteran politician and eight-time Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Basavaraj Horatti tendered his resignation as the Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council on Friday.

The 80-year-old leader stepped down after the ruling Congress party signaled its intent to move a no-confidence motion against him if he did not vacate the chair voluntarily.

Forced Out by Party High Command, Says Horatti

Speaking to reporters after submitting his resignation, Horatti openly expressed his discontent over the developments, revealing that the Chief Minister and party leaders informed him that the decision originated from the Congress high command.

“The ruling party wants me to resign. The Chief Minister spoke to me twice over the phone and later called me for a personal meeting to inform me that the party high command had directed him to ask me to quit,” Horatti stated. “He made it clear that if I didn’t resign, they would move a no-confidence motion against me.”

Admitting that he was under immense political pressure, Horatti emphasized that he chose to step down to preserve the dignity of the constitutional post rather than face a protracted floor test.

“I don’t know why they asked me to resign when there are no allegations against me. I have always conducted the proceedings with complete impartiality and honesty,” Horatti added, terming the move “unprecedented” and “anti-democratic.” He noted that no Legislative Council Chairman in Karnataka had been removed prematurely in such a manner since 1956.

Congress Names Saleem Ahmed as Successor

The pressure on Horatti mounted following an official directive from the Congress high command approving senior party leader Saleem Ahmed as the candidate for the Legislative Council Chairman’s post, with actor-turned-politician Umashree nominated for the position of Deputy Chairperson.

With Congress currently enjoying a majority in the 75-member Upper House, the party aimed to consolidate its control over both houses of the state legislature. Saleem Ahmed is expected to be formally anointed as the new Chairman during the upcoming legislative session starting August 13, with Horatti serving as pro-tem speaker in the interim.

Political Significance and Background

Horatti, a veteran parliamentarian representing the West Teachers’ constituency, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in May 2022 after decades with the Janata Dal (Secular). He was elected unopposed as Council Chairman in December 2022 during the previous BJP regime.

While Congress leaders maintained that they hold Horatti in high personal regard, political observers view the move as a strategic alignment by the ruling party to ensure seamless control over legislative proceedings in the Upper House.