Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti announced on 6 August that he will formally submit his resignation on August 14, a day after the legislature's monsoon session opens, following direct pressure from the Congress high command to vacate the constitutional post for the party's nominee.

What Led to the Resignation

The Congress party had already named senior leader Saleem Ahmed as its pick for the Council Chairman's post while announcing a fresh list of ministers — a move that drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP argued it was a breach of convention to publicly declare a replacement while the incumbent Chairman still held office, and that the post carries constitutional sanctity that must be kept above partisan calculations.

What Horatti Said

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar visited Horatti at his official government residence, where Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President B.K. Hariprasad was also present. Horatti confirmed that Shivakumar conveyed the high command's directive unambiguously. 'The Chief Minister made it clear that this was the final decision of the Congress high command and requested me to step down as Chairman. I have agreed to his request,' Horatti said.

He added that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had also declined to intervene on his behalf. Horatti did not conceal his displeasure: 'It is not right to show such disrespect to a constitutional post or to hijack it,' he said, describing himself as deeply hurt by the episode.

Session Timeline and Next Steps

The Karnataka Legislature's monsoon session is scheduled to begin on August 13, with the first day reserved for condolence references to departed dignitaries. Horatti has indicated he will resign on August 14, immediately after the election to the post of Deputy Chairman on the session's second day. He clarified that he would continue to participate in Council proceedings as an ordinary member after stepping down.

Political Fallout

The episode has opened a rare public fault line within the ruling Congress coalition in Karnataka. By announcing a successor before the sitting Chairman had resigned — or even been formally asked to — the party exposed itself to accusations of institutional overreach. Notably, Horatti's willingness to speak on record about the pressure applied by the Chief Minister and Siddaramaiah signals a level of discontent that the Congress leadership will need to manage carefully ahead of the session. All eyes are now on whether the transition on August 14 proceeds smoothly or triggers further political turbulence inside the Council chamber.