The Congress is likely to put forward its own candidate for the post of Council President

Congress is expected to get a clear majority after polls for the seven seats in the Council to be elected by members of the Legislative Assembly scheduled for June 18 | Photo credit: file photo

The Congress is likely to field its candidates for the post of Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the Karnataka Legislative Council before the Monsoon session scheduled to be held in July.

Sources said that so far the party has not tried to replace Speaker Basavaraj Horatti, an eight-time legislator and the most senior member of the House, as the Congress did not have a clear majority. Although there was speculation in January that the party would move to replace Mr Horatti, sources said leadership confusion prevented such a move.

“No, the move is likely to help Congress accommodate lawmakers seeking cabinet berths or other posts,” the sources said.

Numbers in the Council

The Congress is expected to get a clear majority after the polls for the seven seats in the Council to be elected by members of the Legislative Assembly scheduled for June 18. Currently, the Congress has 37 members in the 75-member upper house and is likely to get the support of the lone Independent, Balachandra Jarkiholi.

The tenure of five more members nominated by the government will also end in July, further strengthening the Congress’ numbers in the Council.

A long-time Janata Parivar leader, Mr. Horatti was elected to the Upper House on a BJP ticket. Along with the Speaker, the Congress will also seek to replace Deputy Speaker MK Pranesh, a member of the BJP.

JD(S) is likely to field

While the Congress is assured of winning four seats and the BJP two seats, one seat is expected to be hotly contested as they do not have the required numbers to ensure victory for their candidates. The Congress has already announced the names of four candidates while the BJP is yet to do so.

Janata Dal (Secular) sources said the party is likely to field a candidate as part of the NDA alliance. “It may be difficult for Congress to win the fifth seat as the alliance has a tally close to the 29 votes needed to ensure victory. BM Farooq could be fielded along with two BJP candidates,” sources said. The possibility of cross-voting for the seat is highly likely, sources said.

Congress sources said that even if the party will contest the seat, it may not announce the name till the last minute.

Published – 04 Jun 2026 21:22 IST