Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad on Friday praised Basavaraj Horatti’s tenure as Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, describing him as a senior leader who upheld the dignity of the House and maintained parliamentary traditions. His remarks came after Horatti resigned from the post of Council Chairman amid political developments surrounding the functioning of the Upper House.

Hariprasad said Horatti made significant contributions to Karnataka’s legislative system through his long public career. He highlighted Horatti’s approach to conducting Council proceedings, stating that he maintained neutrality and provided equal opportunities to members of both the ruling party and the Opposition during debates.

The Karnataka Congress chief said Horatti’s leadership was marked by restraint, maturity and impartiality. He added that the former Chairman’s efforts to protect the dignity of constitutional institutions and uphold legislative traditions would be remembered.

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The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) also defended Horatti’s resignation, stating that the decision was in line with parliamentary conventions. KPCC Media and Communications Department Chairman and former MLC Ramesh Babu said it was customary for a Chairman or Deputy Chairman to step down when their party no longer held numerical strength in the Legislative Council.

Ramesh Babu pointed out that the Congress currently has a majority in the 75-member Legislative Council with 39 members, while the BJP has 24 members, JD(S) has six and one Independent member. He said Horatti’s resignation ahead of the Council session beginning on August 13 reflected respect for legislative practices.

The Congress leader criticised former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai for alleging political pressure behind Horatti’s resignation. He referred to the resignation of former Council Chairman Pratap Chandra Shetty in February 2021, when the BJP had gained numerical strength in the House, and accused the BJP of applying different standards in the current situation.

Ramesh Babu further alleged that the BJP was attempting to politicise the constitutional position of the Legislative Council Chairman for political gains. He also claimed that the controversy was being used to divert attention from issues related to the ongoing revision of electoral rolls in Karnataka, an allegation rejected by BJP leaders.

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