Congress Edges Closer to Majority in Karnataka Legislative Council with Four Nominations

Swift Summary

• Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot nominated four individuals to the Karnataka Legislative Council: Arathi Krishna, F.H. Jakkappanavar, K. Shivakumar,and Ramesh Babu.
• These nominations have increased Congress’ strength in the 75-member Upper House to 37, surpassing BJP and JD(S), which have 29 and seven seats respectively (totaling 36).
• The vacancies occurred due to the resignation of C.P. Yogeshwar and retirements of K.A. Thippeswamy, U.B. Venkatesh, and Prakash Rathod.
• Currently, basavaraj Horatti (BJP) is Chairman of the Legislative Council; M.K. Pranesh (BJP) is Deputy Chairman.
• Informal discussions within Congress hint at plans to replace Horatti as Chairman during the Winter Session in Belagavi or later if adequate majority support materializes.
• Lakhan Jarkiholi, an independent member with ties to Congress’ Satish Jarkiholi, may play a deciding role in any move for a leadership change.
• Congress anticipates gaining further strength through a pending Supreme Court decision potentially favoring Gayathri shanthe Gowda.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The recent nominations highlight significant strategic gains by the Congress party in Karnataka’s Legislative Council dynamics ahead of crucial sessions like Winter in Belagavi. With its numbers surpassing BJP-JD(S) combined strength for now at least on paper – though not yet achieving outright majority control – there seems clear calculation f signal broader intention inch towards full reclaim stake-chairmanship council long-preceded longstanding reputation quiet… ***continue ? trajactory examining controlling custos final few months more preparation