Basavaraj Horatti Claims Resignation Was Compulsory Amid Controversy
Resignation Controversy in Karnataka
File image of Former Karnataka Legislative Council chairman Basavaraj Horatti(Photo: IANS)
Hubballi (Karnataka), Aug 11: Basavaraj Horatti, the former Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, revealed on Tuesday that he felt compelled to sign his resignation letter, claiming he was not allowed to resign on his intended date.
During a press briefing in Hubballi, Horatti mentioned that he had informed the Governor about his resignation but had yet to receive any confirmation regarding its acceptance.
“I have communicated everything to the Governor. However, I have not received any notification from him. He has not clarified whether my resignation has been accepted or if I have been relieved of my duties. As far as I understand, being appointed as the pro tem Chairman implies my resignation has been accepted,” Horatti stated.
Expressing his discontent with how the state government managed the situation, Horatti conveyed his hurt feelings regarding the developments.
“I am distressed by the actions of the state government. I have committed no wrongdoing. After 46 years of service in the House, I had to resign under pressure. I did not wish for a confrontational scenario,” he added.
Horatti also mentioned that he had previously discussed the timing of his resignation with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and they had reached an understanding.
“We had agreed that on August 13, we would complete the obituary references, and on August 14, the Vice Chairman would be elected. I intended to express my gratitude on that day before resigning, which I had announced,” he explained.
“There was a mutual agreement regarding this,” Horatti asserted.
His comments arise amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding his resignation from the Chairman position. He had anticipated completing the necessary proceedings and formally bidding farewell to the House before stepping down.
Horatti alleged that Chief Minister Shivakumar pressured him to sign the resignation on the same day, leaving him with no alternative.
As one of Karnataka's longest-serving legislators, Horatti expressed a desire to avoid conflict, which led him to comply with the demand despite his dissatisfaction with how the resignation was managed.
It is noteworthy that amidst the political dynamics surrounding the Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman's role, Basavaraj Horatti submitted his resignation from the Upper House on Friday.
The Chief Minister's Office shared the resignation letter, which followed a morning meeting between Horatti and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, along with another meeting later that afternoon at the Chairman's office.
Chief Minister Shivakumar, Karnataka Congress President B.K. Hariprasad, Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed (nominated for the Chairman position), and other senior leaders engaged in discussions with Horatti regarding the matter.
In his brief resignation letter addressed to the Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council, Horatti stated that he was resigning of his own accord.
Following Horatti's resignation, Legislative Council Secretary Jyothi promptly issued a notification declaring the Chairman position vacant.