Basavaraj Horatti Resigns as Karnataka Legislative Council Chairperson
Karnataka Legislative Council Chairperson Basavaraj Horatti tendered his resignation from the presiding post on August 7, 2026. The move paves the way for the Congress party to appoint one of its own legislators to preside over the 75-member Upper House.
What Happened
Mr. Horatti submitted his resignation following a meeting with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at his residence in Bengaluru. Prior to this, several rounds of discussions were held between the Chief Minister and Mr. Horatti to encourage a voluntary resignation, aiming to avoid a formal no-confidence motion against him.
Because the post of Deputy Chairperson remains vacant, Mr. Horatti’s resignation was formally accepted by the Council Secretary. The vacancy in the Deputy Chairperson position occurred after M.K. Pranesh lost his post following a legal dispute regarding vote counting to Congress member A.V. Gayatri Shante Gowda, who was sworn in by Mr. Horatti on August 7.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) objected to the circumstances surrounding the resignation, criticising the alleged pressure on Mr. Horatti to step down and his visit to the Chief Minister’s residence. Responding to the criticism, Mr. Horatti stated that he visited the Chief Minister simply to express gratitude for past cooperation during his tenure.
Key Highlights
- Chairperson Transition: Basavaraj Horatti resigned on August 7, 2026, and will serve as pro-tem Speaker until August 14.
- New Nominees: The Congress has named senior leader Saleem Ahmed as its nominee for Council Chairperson and former minister Umashree for the Deputy Chairperson role.
- Council Strength: With the swearing-in of Gayatri Shante Gowda, the Congress holds 38 seats in the 75-member Upper House, supported by one Independent legislator.
- Legislative Veteran: The 80-year-old Horatti has served as a member of the Legislative Council for 46 years across eight terms and had been Chairperson since December 21, 2022, with two years remaining in his term.
- Opposition Response: The BJP criticised both the manner of the resignation and Mr. Horatti’s meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence.
Why This Matters
The resignation reflects shifting legislative dynamics within the Karnataka Legislative Council, where the Congress now holds a majority with 38 members in the 75-seat chamber, plus one supporting Independent. Securing this majority enabled the party to seek leadership of the Upper House, culminating in negotiations that led to Mr. Horatti stepping down rather than facing a floor challenge.
What to Watch Next
The monsoon session of the Karnataka legislature commences on August 13. Mr. Horatti is scheduled to act as pro-tem Speaker and preside over the proceedings on the opening day. He will appoint the Deputy Chairperson before formally tendering his final resignation on August 14, when Saleem Ahmed is expected to be officially named Chairperson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is set to become the new Karnataka Legislative Council Chairperson?
Senior Congress leader Saleem Ahmed has been named as the party’s candidate and is expected to be officially anointed Chairperson on August 14.
Why did Basavaraj Horatti resign from the post?
Mr. Horatti stepped down after talks with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to allow the majority Congress party to install its own presiding officer and avoid the introduction of a no-confidence motion.
Who is the nominee for the Deputy Chairperson post?
Former minister Umashree has been nominated by the Congress for the position of Deputy Chairperson.
Source: Reporting based on coverage by The Hindu.