Horatti Resigns as Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman

Basavaraj Horatti submitted his resignation as Chairperson of the Karnataka Legislative Council in Bengaluru on 7 August 2026. The Karnataka Legislative Council is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of Karnataka, and its presiding officer is known as the Chairperson.

Karnataka Legislative Council

The Karnataka Legislative Council is a permanent House under Article 169 of the Constitution of India. Its members are elected through different constituencies, including local authorities, graduates, teachers, and members elected by the Legislative Assembly, and some members are nominated by the Governor.

Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson

The Chairperson presides over sittings of the Legislative Council and maintains order in the House. The Deputy Chairperson performs the duties of the Chairperson in his or her absence, and both offices are part of the internal functioning of a State legislature.

Political Composition and House Procedure

The ruling Congress party held a majority in the 75-member Karnataka Legislative Council on 7 August 2026. The party named Saleem Ahmed as its nominee for Chairperson and Umashree as its nominee for Deputy Chairperson, while the next leadership election was scheduled for 14 August 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Karnataka Legislative Council is the upper house of the Karnataka Legislature.
• Article 169 of the Constitution of India provides for the creation or abolition of a State Legislative Council.
• The presiding officer of a Legislative Council is called the Chairperson, not the Speaker.
• Basavaraj Horatti had earlier been associated with Janata Dal (Secular) and later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in May 2022.

Political Background

Basavaraj Horatti stated that he would continue as pro-tem Chairman for the session beginning on 13 August 2026 until the formal election on 14 August 2026. Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including R. Ashoka, alleged that the resignation letter was pre-typed, while Horatti stated that he resigned voluntarily.