I Don’t Know Why: Basavaraj Horatti Says Congress Asked Him to Quit
- pradeep
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has decided to step down from his post, saying the move came after the ruling Congress leadership asked him to resign.
Speaking to reporters, Horatti said Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had spoken to him over the phone and later met him personally, informing him that the Congress high command wanted a change in the Council chairman’s post.
“I Don’t Know Why They Asked Me”
Horatti said he was unsure why Congress wanted him to vacate the chair and expressed disappointment over the development.
According to Horatti, he was told that if he did not resign voluntarily, the ruling party could move a no-confidence motion against him. He said he preferred to leave the position respectfully rather than continue when the government no longer wanted him in the chair.
Horatti Calls Move “Anti-Democratic”
Horatti also objected to the Congress high command deciding who should occupy legislative posts.
He argued that electing the Legislative Council Chairman and Assembly Speaker is the prerogative of the respective Houses, and described intervention by a political party’s high command as unprecedented and “anti-democratic.”
Saleem Ahmed Chosen as Congress Nominee
The Congress high command has approved Saleem Ahmed as its nominee for the Legislative Council chairman’s position and Umashree for deputy chairperson, according to the report.
The party has also approved G S Patil for Karnataka Assembly Speaker and A S Ponnanna for Deputy Speaker.
Horatti Says Congress Leaders Personally Respect Him
Horatti said Shivakumar and other ministers told him that although the high command wanted him replaced, they personally continued to hold him in high regard.
He nevertheless said the episode had left him “deeply pained.”
When Will Horatti Leave the Post?
There is some ambiguity in the early reports over the exact timing. Hindustan Times reported on August 7 that Horatti had tendered his resignation, while also quoting him as saying he had intended to resign respectfully on August 14. Separate reporting from The New Indian Express also said he was expected to step down on August 14.
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