Basavaraj Horatti Refuses to Resign as Council Chairman

The Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, Basavaraj Horatti, refused to resign immediately after Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar requested his departure to avoid political embarrassment. The request followed a directive from the Indian National Congress high command, which nominated Saleem Ahmed for the chairmanship and Umashree as deputy chairperson.

Horatti, whose term extends until July 2028, argued that the removal of the council chairman is a prerogative of the House rather than a political party. He noted that a no-confidence motion requires 10 members to provide 14 days of advance notice. Horatti stated he would consult with leaders from the BJP and JD(S) before making a final decision.

While the Chief Minister's office has not officially confirmed the request, opposition leaders have condemned the move as political interference in an independent constitutional position.