Karnataka CM urges Legislative Council Chairman Horatti to resign after Congress picks Saleem Ahmed

In a significant political development in Karnataka, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday telephoned Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti and suggested that he resign from his post. The call comes a day after the Congress party announced the name of Saleem Ahmed as its candidate for the position of Chairman of the Legislative Council.

Confirming the conversation, Mr. Horatti told The Hindu that the Chief Minister called him around 3 p.m. “I told him that I will ponder over the issue and then inform him of my decision,” he said. Mr. Horatti added that he would also have to consult senior leaders in his party and experts on the issue before arriving at a decision.

The move is widely seen as an attempt by the Congress government to install its own nominee in the key constitutional post. The Chairman of the Legislative Council plays a crucial role in the conduct of legislative business, and the ruling party's interest in the position is natural in a parliamentary democracy.

Basavaraj Horatti, a veteran politician with decades of experience in state politics, has been a prominent figure in the Karnataka Legislative Council. He has served as Chairman for several years and is known for his measured and non-partisan approach in presiding over the House. His resignation, if it happens, would mark the end of an era for the Upper House.

Saleem Ahmed, the Congress candidate, is a seasoned leader from the minority community and has held various positions in the party and government. His candidature reflects the Congress's intention to bring in a person aligned with the ruling dispensation to oversee the legislative functions of the Council.

The Legislative Council, the upper house of the Karnataka legislature, has 75 members. The Chairman is elected by the members of the Council from among themselves. The post has often been occupied by members of the ruling coalition, and the current development is in line with past political practices where a change in government or coalition arithmetic leads to a change in the presiding officer.

Political observers note that the Chief Minister's direct phone call to Mr. Horatti indicates the importance the government places on a smooth transition. It also underscores the fragile nature of coalition politics in the state, where mutual understanding and negotiation often determine key appointments.

Mr. Horatti's response — that he will consider the matter and consult his party colleagues — suggests that he is not taking the decision hurriedly. His party, the Janata Dal (Secular), is an ally of the Congress in the state, and the leadership may have its own views on the timing and manner of the change.

When contacted, a spokesperson for the Congress party said the party respects Mr. Horatti's contributions and expects the transition to happen in a dignified manner. However, no official statement has been issued by the Chief Minister's office or the Congress regarding the specifics of the phone conversation.

The development has generated considerable interest in political circles in Bengaluru, with speculation rife about the timeline for Mr. Horatti's resignation and the formal election of the new Chairman. For now, all eyes are on Mr. Horatti's next move, as he steps back to weigh his options and consult those whose advice he values.

The peaceful conduct of this transition will be a test of the maturity of the state's political leadership and the strength of the coalition in power. The people of Karnataka will be watching closely to see how the process unfolds, as it has a direct bearing on the effective functioning of the state's legislative institutions.