Horatti will continue if he comes to our side, says CM in lighter vein

The grand and warm felicitation accorded to Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council Basavraj Horatti on his completion of 45 years as a member of the Legislative Council indicated the likelihood of the ruling party trying to eventually get its own member to the coveted post.

While recalling his long association with Mr. Basavaraj Horatti and showering praises on him, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah did not hesitate to indicate that Mr. Horatti was in the chair because Congress did not have the requisite numbers in the Legislative Council at the moment.

“He is my friend, but politics is different. As a political opponent I have tried to defeat him, but could not. Individually I want him to win but politically I will try to defeat him in election,” he said recalling earlier elections.

In a response to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s remark that he (Mr. Horatti) would continue as chairman during Mr. Siddaramaiah’s tenure, the Chief Minister said that Mr. Horatti had continued because they did not have the number in the Council at this point.

“After the forthcoming Council elections, I believe we will have the majority,” he said.

In a lighter vein, he continued, “As of now, he has won the election contesting on the BJP ticket. But if he comes to our side, he may continue”.

The Chief Minister’s remark has further confirmed the increasing demand within Congress on having its own candidate as the chairman, although Mr. Horatti shares a good rapport with leaders of all political parties.

The numbers

In the 75-member Legislative Council, the strength of Congress is currently 37. The opposition BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) have 29 and 7 members, respectively. There is one independent legislator Lakhan Jarkiholi and Mr. Horatti also has his vote.