Bengaluru: In a sudden turn of events, Basavaraj Horatti resigned as legislative council chairman Friday after the govt prepared to move a no-confidence motion against him.The development ended a brief political standoff and cleared the way for Congress nominee Saleem Ahmed to take over as presiding officer of the Upper House.“I am deeply hurt by the remarks expressing a lack of confidence in me,” Horatti said. “I do not wish to continue in such an atmosphere, and that is why I have decided to resign.” He said he would continue to serve as an ordinary member of the council.The resignation came a day after Horatti said he would step down on Aug 14, while accusing Congress of trying to take “control” of a constitutional office even before the House elected his successor.Horatti had met chief minister DK Shivakumar Wednesday night and again Friday at his Sadashivanagar residence, seeking more time before stepping down. However, following the meeting, he submitted his resignation.“I was asked to resign, so I tendered my resignation,” said Horatti, an eight-time MLC. He said he “did not know why” he had been asked to step down.Prior to the meeting with Shivakumar, Horatti had insisted that he would adhere to his earlier decision. “If they want to move a no-confidence motion against me, let them do so. They can proceed in accordance with law,” he had said.Sources say Congress then began preparations to move a no-confidence motion and MLC Ivan D’Souza was tasked with the job. Functionaries also said the governing party was upset that Horatti had publicly criticised the Congress high command for announcing the name of the next presiding officers of both assembly and council before the posts fell vacant.Congress was also irked that Horatti acted in a partisan manner by consulting BJP and JD(S) functionaries before taking key decisions as chairman.BJP criticised Congress, arguing that announcing a candidate while the chair was still occupied violated convention and undermined the constitutional dignity of the office. Former CM and MP Basavaraj Bommai said Horatti holds the distinction of being the senior-most legislative council member in the country and Congress’ move to remove him as chairman is “an insult to the dignity of the chair and the Constitution”. He said it will remain black mark in the history of Karnataka’s legislative council.
