Basavaraj Horatti Calls CM’s Resignation Request ‘Political’, Says Constitutional Process Must Be Followed

Bengaluru: Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has expressed disappointment after Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reportedly requested him over the phone to resign from the post, saying the move was contrary to constitutional and democratic conventions.

According to Horatti, the Chief Minister called him on Tuesday afternoon and conveyed that the Congress high command had decided on a change in the post, requesting him to step down as Chairman of the Legislative Council.

Reacting to the development, Horatti termed it “tainted politics” and said he was deeply hurt by the manner in which the request was made.

He also objected to the Congress party reportedly announcing the name of a new Legislative Council Chairman on its letterhead before following the prescribed constitutional procedure.

“The offices of the Chairman and Speaker are constitutional posts. If the government wants to remove the incumbent, it must first issue a notice, to which I will respond appropriately. Alternatively, it should move a no-confidence motion in accordance with the rules. Seeking my resignation instead is not in keeping with democratic traditions,” Horatti said.

His remarks come amid reports of an impending change in the leadership of the Karnataka Legislative Council, although no official announcement has yet been made by the state government or the Congress party.