The grand and warm felicitations accorded to Karnataka Legislative Council Speaker Basavraj Horatti on his completion of 45 years as a member of the Legislative Council hinted at the likelihood of the ruling party eventually trying to field its own member for the coveted post.
While recalling his long association with Mr. Basavaraj Horatti and praising him, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah did not hesitate to state that Mr. Horatti presided because the Congress does not have the necessary numbers in the Legislative Council at the moment.
“He is my friend, but politics is different. As a political opponent, I tried to defeat him, but I failed. Personally, I want him to win, but politically, I will try to defeat him in the elections,” he said, recalling the earlier elections.
Reacting 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 continued because they did not have a number in the Council at that point.
“I believe we will have a majority after the upcoming Council elections,” he said.
On a lighter note, he continued, “As of now, he has won the election contest on a BJP ticket. But if he comes to our side, he can continue.”
The Chief Minister’s remark further confirmed the growing demand in the Congress to have its own Speaker candidate, although Mr. Horatti shares a good rapport with leaders of all political parties.
Numbers
In the 75-member Legislative Council, the Congress strength 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.
Published – 13 Dec 2025 21:34 IST
