Congress’s public pick for Council Chairman post draws criticism over propriety
The Congress party’s decision to publicly name its legislators for constitutional posts in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the post of Chairman of the Legislative Council. The party has named its Chief Whip, Saleem Ahmed, for the post, even as the current Chairman, Basavaraj Horatti, who was elected on a BJP ticket, continues to hold office.
The development comes after the Congress secured a majority in the Upper House following recent wins in the Legislative Council elections. Sources said that while a notice to remove Mr. Horatti has to be given 14 days in advance after the notification of the House being convened, no such notice has been issued yet. Mr. Horatti has neither been informed by the ruling party nor served any formal notice in this regard.
Critics point out that the Chairman is elected by the House, and by announcing its candidate publicly, the Congress has taken away the House’s prerogative. “These issues are to be discussed within the party forum. This is insulting the constitutional post,” said sources aware of the developments.
The Upper House will commence its Monsoon Session on August 13. Notably, the post of Deputy Chairman is currently vacant following the disqualification of M.K. Pranesh. As per Rule 165 of the House, which cites Article 183 of the Constitution regarding the removal of the Chairman, a notice must be issued to the Council’s Secretary. Following this, the Chairman fixes a date for consideration, which must be after 14 days from the receipt of the notice.
Sources expressed concern over the manner in which the Congress is handling the situation. “They have power, but it is not an honourable way to handle the situation. This is for the first time such an announcement has been made. It is wrong,” they added.
The move has raised questions about the convention of allowing the House to decide such matters through due process. While the Congress’s majority gives it the numerical strength to effect a change, the public announcement of its candidate before following the prescribed procedure has been described as a departure from established democratic practice.
