Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has claimed that Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar asked him to resign from his post. Horatti said he was requested to step down, but he believes that only the Legislative Council has the constitutional authority to decide whether he should continue as Chairman.
Speaking about the issue, Horatti said the position of the Council Chairman cannot be decided by an individual or by the state government alone. He stressed that the rules of the Legislature clearly state that the House itself has the power to elect or remove its Chairman through the proper constitutional process.
His statement has triggered a fresh political and constitutional debate in Karnataka. Legal experts and political leaders are now discussing whether the executive branch of the government can influence the position of a presiding officer of the Legislature.
Horatti explained that the Chairman’s office is an independent constitutional position that is expected to function without political pressure. He said any decision about his future should be taken only by the elected members of the Legislative Council and according to the rules laid down in the Constitution and legislative procedures.
The controversy comes at a time when political tensions are already high in Karnataka. Differences between the ruling government and opposition parties have led to frequent disagreements inside and outside the Legislature. Horatti’s latest remarks have added another issue to the ongoing political discussions.
Opposition leaders have argued that constitutional positions should remain independent and free from political interference. They believe that any attempt to pressure the Chairman to resign would raise serious questions about the independence of legislative institutions.
Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling side may present their own explanation regarding the issue. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the Chief Minister’s office regarding Horatti’s claim. Political observers are waiting for a formal response from the government.
The dispute has also renewed discussions about the separation of powers between the executive and the Legislature. In a democratic system, both institutions have different responsibilities, and constitutional experts say each must function within the powers granted by the Constitution.
If the disagreement continues, it could become an important constitutional and political issue in Karnataka. The matter may lead to further debates inside the Legislative Council and could even result in legal or procedural discussions if necessary.
For now, Basavaraj Horatti has made it clear that he does not intend to resign based on an individual request. He maintains that only the Legislative Council has the authority to decide his future as Chairman, and he says he will continue to perform his duties unless the House takes a different decision through the proper constitutional process.