Bengaluru: Amid the politics surrounding the Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman’s post, Basavaraj Horatti tendered his resignation as Chairman of the Upper House of the state legislature on Friday.
The resignation letter was shared by the Chief Minister’s Office. The development came after Horatti met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in the morning, followed by another meeting at the Chairman’s office later in the afternoon.
Chief Minister Shivakumar, Karnataka Congress President and MLC B.K. Hariprasad, Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed, who has been nominated by the party for the post of Chairman, and other senior leaders met Horatti and held discussions over the issue.
In his three-line resignation letter addressed to the Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council, Horatti stated that he was tendering his resignation of his own free will.
Legislative Council Secretary Jyothi issued a notification stating that following Horatti’s resignation, the post of Chairman has fallen vacant.
Speaking to reporters at his office in the presence of Chief Minister Shivakumar, Horatti said, “I had told the Chief Minister that I would resign by August 14. I went to his residence this morning to thank him for the cooperation extended to me over the years.”
“I had sought time till August 14, after the election of the Deputy Chairman, to step down. I had already made a public announcement in this regard,” he said.
Chief Minister Shivakumar said that Horatti wished to express his gratitude and thank the members of the House on August 14.
“Even if he resigns today, since he is the senior-most member of the Council, I will have to appoint him as the pro tem Chairman. On that day, he can address the House in his capacity as Chairman before demitting office,” Shivakumar said.
When asked whether the Congress would move a no-confidence motion against Horatti, Shivakumar said, “Once we have arrived at an understanding, there is no question of it. There was concern among our leaders after reports suggested that he would not step down. Now that Horatti himself has clarified the issue, there is nothing more to discuss.”
Describing Horatti as a veteran leader, Shivakumar said, “He has discharged his responsibilities in a manner that very few have. We must respect him.”
Shivakumar further said that the Legislative Council Secretary had already issued the notification and that he would write to the Governor recommending that Horatti continue as the pro tem Chairman.
“We are planning to conduct the election for the new Chairman Saleem Ahmed on the evening of August 14. Under the present political circumstances, I thank Horatti for tendering his resignation. He is one of the senior-most leaders,” he added.
(IANS)
