Basavaraj Horatti says Chief Minister sought resignation, will decide after opposition talks

The Story in Brief

Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti said Chief Minister D K Shivakumar phoned him requesting his resignation and that he would decide after discussing the matter with BJP and JD(S) leaders. Horatti emphasised that electing the chairman of the council and the speaker of the assembly is the prerogative of the House and not of a party high command. The Congress high command sent a letter to the chief minister approving Saleem Ahmed as its nominee for chairman and Umashree for deputy chairperson, and named G S Patil as its nominee for speaker with A S Ponnanna for deputy speaker; the letter also included the list of ministers sworn in on August 3.

Horatti, an eight‑time member whose current term runs till July 2028, said no council chairperson has had to resign since 1956 and that there were no grounds to remove him. He noted that to move a no‑confidence motion 10 members must give 14 days’ notice and that the matter would be decided on discussion in the House. The 75‑member council currently includes 38 Congress members, 24 BJP, six JD(S), one Independent and one chairman, with five seats vacant.

The Indian Opinion

The most striking claim in this story is the suggestion that a party high command can pre‑declare House officers, which Horatti describes as unprecedented and undemocratic. That characterisation is his view; readers should note it is contesting internal party practice rather than alleging a clearly proven constitutional breach. Equally, the Congress letter naming nominees is a factual development, but it does not by itself alter the House’s formal powers. There is genuine uncertainty over what Horatti will decide after consultations, and whether any formal removal procedure will be initiated. A measured reading is to await formal House proceedings rather than treat the phone call alone as determinative.

Original article: CM asked for resignation, will decide after discussing with oppn leaders: Karnataka LC chairman Basavaraj Horatti (IndiaTimes)

This story was summarised and commented on by AI from the source linked above.