Synopsis: Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has reversed his decision to resign. After media reports suggested his resignation, political leaders, including the Chief Minister and Governor, advised him to remain in office. Horatti stated that he chose to stay and work on improving the system from within, rather than quitting, following the encouragement of his colleagues
After much contemplation, Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has decided not to resign from his position.
Speaking to South First, Horatti explained, “I have changed my decision and will not resign as Chairman of the council. After media reports about my resignation circulated, many political colleagues, including Chief Minister, Governor, and senior journalists, advised me against stepping down.”
Horatti revealed that the advice he received encouraged him to stay in the position and work toward improving the system. “They suggested that I should improve the system from within rather than quitting,” he added.
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Disappointment over members’ behaviour
Despite his decision to remain in office, Horatti expressed deep disappointment over the recent indisciplined behaviour of members in the council.
“I have never seen such behaviour in my career. Especially on the last day of the council, it was unimaginable. I never expected either the opposition or the ruling party to behave like this in the future,” Horatti said.
The Chairman, who has served in politics for over 45 years, emphasized that the actions of the members were undermining the functioning of the legislative body. “We represent the people, and we are held accountable for what we do or say. With such conduct, it becomes difficult for me to continue the business of the council,” he remarked.
Horatti had previously stirred controversy on 23 March by announcing his intent to quit, citing frustration over the disruptive conduct of elected representatives in the legislature.
“The conduct in the house is upsetting. Nobody listens to the chairperson; they protest inside the house and bring placards. I am not fit to conduct the proceedings. There is no respect in the house anymore,” Horatti had said.
As the presiding officer of the Karnataka Legislative Council, Horatti is responsible for maintaining order during legislative proceedings and ensuring that discussions follow established rules.
This includes managing the flow of debates, determining the order of speeches, and setting time limits for discussions. Additionally, the Chairman has the authority to adjourn or suspend sittings in cases of severe disorder.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
