Efforts on to convince Horatti to step down

Efforts are underway to persuade Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti to relinquish his position, following the naming of Saleem Ahmed as the candidate for Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council by Congress. Horatti, reportedly upset, has stated that he has not yet decided on his next course of action. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is said to have asked Horatti to step down, with the politician previously informing a TV channel that he would resign.

The BJP has criticized the manner in which Horatti is being pressured, noting that he visited the Chief Minister's residence while several Cabinet Ministers and legislators were present. Horatti has stated that he has not yet decided on his resignation, citing his intention to consult his colleagues and inform the Chief Minister of his decision by August 14.

The Chief Minister had discussed the matter with Horatti on August 4 and again on Wednesday night at the Council Chairman's residence. Government sources revealed that the Chief Minister informed Horatti that the Congress had not pressured him to resign, despite having the numerical advantage in the House. The Congress has secured a clear majority following recent elections, with a strength set to reach 43, including four government-nominated seats.

Congress member A.V. Gayatri Shanthegowda is scheduled to take her oath on Friday. The Chief Minister respected Horatti's seniority and experience, stating that the government did not wish to introduce a no-confidence motion against him, considering his position as the senior-most member of the House. However, there was internal party pressure to accommodate aspiring leaders.