Basavaraj Horatti dismisses allegations of corruption in appointments

Dismissing charges of corruption in appointments and bias levelled against him by Congress member Nagaraj Yadav, Chairman of Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti on Monday said that he would decide on his future course of action if a no-confidence motion is moved against him in the House.

“We have to go by the decision of the government. I do not have any information on no confidence. I am unbiased. Except for one member, no one has made that allegation or spoken lightly about me. Members across all parties are happy with me and there has been no allegation of bias,” Mr. Horatti told presspersons here before the start of the Winter Session. “I am apolitical and my association with BJP was during the election. I resigned from the primary membership of the BJP soon after I became the Chairman and it has been accepted.”

When asked about his future course of action if there is a motion moved against him, the veteran leader, who has won a record eighth consecutive elections, said, “Let me see in the House. The decision will be taken on that day if the motion is moved.”

On charges of corruption in appointments in the Legislative Council Secretariat, he said, “The appointments were made through Karnataka Examination Authority. Inquiry has been initiated against three employees of the Secretariat against whom corruption charges were levelled.” He said that he would not stay in his post for even a moment if allegations of corruption are proved. “Those who make baseless allegations of corruption are cowards.”

Congress reaction

However, Mr. Nagaraj claimed that his charges pertained to the direct appointments. He also said that the decision on moving the no-confidence motion was dependent on the High Command’s decision. “All that we want is a Congress member becoming the Chairman.”

The allegations have come amid a move by a section of Congress leaders, who have sought to replace Mr. Horatti as Congress with the help of the lone independent now has the numbers to unseat the Chairman. In response, Mr. Horatti told presspersons that leaders from opposition parties had occupied the post of chairmen over the last four decades.