Four members nominated; Congress closer to majority in Karnataka Legislative Council

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Sunday nominated four persons to fill vacancies in the Legislative Council, which took the Congress’ strength over the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) in the 75-member Upper House. The increase in number will also bring the post of the Chairman of the House – currently occupied by senior most member Basavaraj Horatti- into focus.

The nominated persons are Arathi Krishna, chairperson of KPCC’s NRI Cell and daughter of former Minister Begane Ramaiah, activist F.H. Jakkappanavar, journalist K. Shivakumar, and former MLC Ramesh Babu.

The nominations have now taken the Congress strength to 37, compared to the BJP and JD(S)‘s 29 and seven, respectively, taking their total to 36. Besides the Chairman, Lakhan Jarkiholi, elected as an Independent, are the other members of the House.

The nominations have come in place of seats that have fallen vacant owing to the resignation of C.P. Yogeshwar, and the retirements of K.A. Thippeswamy, U.B. Venkatesh, and Prakash Rathod.

Mr. Horatti, who had formally joined the BJP in May 2022 — months before his historic eighth win on the trot — had been elected as the Chairman unanimously in December 2022. Deputy Chairman M.K. Pranesh also belongs to the BJP.

Congress sources said that the move to replace him could be taken up during the Winter Session in Belagavi this year, though the Congress could get a majority on its own in the Council by June 2026.

“Some names are being discussed informally and no serious discussions have taken place. Notice to change the Chairman could be submitted before the Belagavi session,” sources said.

The Congress is also hoping to secure Mr. Lakhan’s support for any such move since he is close to his brother and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi.

Another source said that the Congress — hoping for a legal victory in the election petition pertaining to Mr. Pranesh currently reserved for orders in the Supreme Court — is expecting to get a majority if Gayathri Shanthe Gowda wins the case. “Irrespective of the court outcome, the party is likely to seek a change. KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar, who led the party to victory in 2023 Assembly elections, is likely to seek the legacy of winning and control the Council too. This is despite Mr. Horatti and Chief Minister SIddaramaiah having a very cordial relationship,” sources said. “There is a small window of opportunity for Mr. Horatti if the members decide to have him continued,” they noted.