Karnataka Council Chairman Horatti meets CM Shivakumar as Cong prepares no-confidence motion

Bengaluru, Aug 7 (IANS) Political drama over the Karnataka Legislative Council Chairmanship continued on Friday, with the Congress government mulling to prepare a no-confidence motion against Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti.

Amid reports that the Congress may submit a notice for a no-confidence motion later in the day, Horatti on Friday met Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at his residence in Sadashivanagar. Although Horatti had earlier announced that he would resign from the post on August 14, it is now learnt that he has sought more time before stepping down.

After the discussion, Horatti left the Chief Minister’s residence appearing visibly displeased.

Responding to questions after his meeting with the Chief Minister, Horatti said he remained committed to his earlier stand. “I stand by what I said the other day. If they want to move a no-confidence motion, let them do so. They can proceed in accordance with the law,” Horatti told reporters outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Bengaluru.

With Horatti reportedly not giving a clear commitment on his resignation, the Congress has begun preparations to move a no-confidence motion against him, according to insiders.

According to sources, the ruling party is concerned that Horatti has allegedly acted in a partisan manner by consulting BJP leaders before taking important decisions as Chairman.

Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza is reportedly preparing the notice for the no-confidence motion, which is expected to be submitted to the Legislative Council.

It can be noted that the Congress party has announced senior leader Saleem Ahmed as its candidate for the post while releasing the list of new ministers.

The move has triggered controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticising the decision, saying it is not tradition to announce a candidate for the Council Chairman’s post while the Chair is still occupied.

The party maintained that the Chairman’s post carries constitutional sanctity and should be respected above party politics.

KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad met Horatti at his official residence on Thursday and held discussions.

Expressing displeasure over the developments, Horatti had said it was inappropriate to undermine the dignity of a constitutional office in such a manner.

“It is not right to show such disrespect to a constitutional post or to hijack it. The Chief Minister told me that there was an order from the high command and, therefore, I should resign. Siddaramaiah also told me that he would not speak to anyone regarding the issue,” he said.

Horatti added that even after resigning as Chairman, he would continue to participate in the proceedings of the Legislative Council as an ordinary member.

“I have been deeply hurt by the remarks that expressed a lack of confidence in me. I do not wish to continue in such an atmosphere, and that is why I have decided to resign,” he said.

–IANS

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