Bengaluru, Aug 6 (IANS) Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman, Basavaraj Horatti, has stated that he would resign from his post and further announced that he will officially submit his resignation on August 14.
It can be noted that the Congress party has announced the name of senior party leader Saleem Ahmed for the post, while announcing the list of new ministers.
The move has triggered a controversy with BJP criticising that it’s not the tradition to announce the candidate for the post of the Council Chairman, while the Chair is still occupied.
The party maintained that the Chairman’s post carries Constitutional sanctity and needs to be respected above party politics.
Meanwhile, KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad met Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti at the latter’s official government residence today and held discussion.
Basavaraj Horatti stated, the Karnataka Legislature’s monsoon session is scheduled to commence on August 13. The first day of the session will be devoted to condolence references for departed dignitaries. Horatti said he would resign as Chairman on August 14, immediately after the election to the post of Deputy Chairman on the second day of the session.
Horatti said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had informed him that the decision was taken by the Congress high command.
“The Chief Minister made it clear that this was the final decision of the Congress high command and requested me to step down as Chairman. I have agreed to his request,” Horatti said.
Expressing his displeasure over the developments, Horatti said it was inappropriate to undermine the dignity of a constitutional office in such a manner.
“It is not right to show such disrespect to a constitutional post or to hijack it. The Chief Minister told me that there was an order from the high command and, therefore, I should resign. Siddaramaiah also told me that he would not speak to anyone regarding the issue,” he said.
Horatti added that even after resigning as Chairman, he would continue to participate in the proceedings of the Legislative Council as an ordinary member.
“I have been deeply hurt by the remarks that expressed a lack of confidence in me. I do not wish to continue in such an atmosphere, and that is why I have decided to resign,” he said.
–IANS
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