Bengaluru: The political battle for control of the Karnataka Legislative Council has intensified after the ruling Congress secured an absolute majority in the Upper House, triggering a fresh confrontation between the ruling party and the BJP-JDS opposition.
With the numbers now in its favour, the Congress is reportedly working on a strategy to consolidate its control over the Council. As part of the exercise, leaders who missed out on ministerial positions have been considered for key posts, including Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council.
The developments have also led to controversy over the resignation of Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti. According to opposition leaders, Horatti was initially unwilling to resign but later stepped down amid the threat of a no-confidence motion.
The issue has now reached Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot. A BJP-JDS delegation led by Legislative Council Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy met the Governor and submitted a complaint against the state government.
Legislative Council members P.H. Poojar, Gopinath Reddy, Saravana and several other leaders were part of the delegation.
The BJP delegation urged the Governor to take appropriate constitutional action against Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and others, alleging that Horatti was forcibly removed from his position in an undemocratic manner.
The opposition has accused the Congress government of attempting to use its majority to gain complete control of the Legislative Council. The controversy is likely to add to the political friction between the ruling Congress and the BJP-JDS combine in the state.
