Bengaluru, August 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti on Friday resigned from his post amid political developments surrounding the leadership of the Upper House, paving the way for Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed to take over as the new Chairman.
Horatti submitted his resignation to the Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council, stating that he was stepping down voluntarily. The resignation letter was shared by the Chief Minister’s Office.
The development followed a series of meetings between Horatti and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Horatti first met the Chief Minister at his residence in the morning and later held discussions at the Chairman’s office in the afternoon.
The meetings were attended by Chief Minister Shivakumar, Karnataka Congress president and MLC B.K. Hariprasad, Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed and other senior leaders.
Following Horatti’s resignation, Legislative Council Secretary Jyothi issued a notification declaring that the post of Chairman had fallen vacant.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Horatti said he had already informed the Chief Minister about his decision to resign by August 14.
“I had told the Chief Minister that I would resign by August 14. I went to his residence this morning to thank him for the cooperation extended to me over the years,” he said.
Horatti added that he had sought time until August 14, after the election of the Deputy Chairman, to step down and had already made a public announcement regarding his decision.
Chief Minister Shivakumar said Horatti wanted to thank members of the Legislative Council before leaving office.
“Even if he resigns today, since he is the senior-most member of the Council, I will have to appoint him as the pro tem Chairman. On that day, he can address the House in his capacity as Chairman before demitting office,” Shivakumar said.
Rejecting speculation that Congress would bring a no-confidence motion against Horatti, Shivakumar said there was no such possibility after an understanding was reached.
“Once we have arrived at an understanding, there is no question of it. There was concern among our leaders after reports suggested that he would not step down. Now that Horatti himself has clarified the issue, there is nothing more to discuss,” he said.
The Chief Minister praised Horatti’s contribution, describing him as a veteran legislator who had discharged his responsibilities with distinction.
Shivakumar said he would write to the Governor recommending Horatti’s continuation as pro tem Chairman and added that the election for the new Chairman, Saleem Ahmed, was likely to be held on the evening of August 14.
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