Horatti Resigns as Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman, Clears Way for Saleem Ahmed

Bengaluru: Basavaraj Horatti on Thursday resigned as the Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, bringing an end to his tenure and clearing the path for senior Congress leader Saleem Ahmed to take over the constitutional post.

Horatti submitted his resignation amid changing political equations in the state legislature. His decision comes after the Congress secured the necessary strength in the Upper House, enabling it to nominate its candidate for the chairmanship.

A veteran politician with decades of legislative experience, Horatti served as the presiding officer of the Legislative Council and was widely recognised for conducting House proceedings across multiple political administrations.

With Horatti stepping down, Saleem Ahmed, a senior Congress leader and Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), is expected to assume the role of Chairman after the required procedural formalities are completed.

Congress leaders welcomed the development, describing it as a reflection of the party's legislative majority in the Council. They expressed confidence that the transition would ensure the smooth functioning of the Upper House.

The Karnataka Legislative Council plays a key role in scrutinising legislation passed by the Assembly, debating public issues and reviewing government policies. The Chairman is responsible for maintaining order in the House and ensuring proceedings are conducted according to the rules of procedure.

Political observers noted that the change in leadership is part of the broader realignment within Karnataka's legislative institutions following recent political developments and the Congress government's consolidation of its position.

The election or formal appointment of the new Chairman is expected to take place in accordance with the procedures laid down under the Constitution and the Rules of the Karnataka Legislative Council.