Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Ex-Karnataka Council Chairman Horatti says resignation was forced
Mr. Horatti was the chairman of a big group that helps make rules for one part of India called Karnataka.
A chairman is like the leader of the meeting, making sure everyone speaks politely one at a time.
He worked in this group for 46 years, which is a very long time.
Mr. Horatti wanted to say goodbye to his friends at work on a special day before leaving his job.
But he says the boss, the Chief Minister, asked him to sign his leaving paper right away instead.
He says he felt forced to sign it, even though his letter said he was leaving because he wanted to.
He signed because he did not want to start a big argument.
Now the chairman's job is empty, and someone else will be chosen to do it.
Former Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti said he signed his resignation letter under compulsion.
Horatti claimed Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar insisted he resign on the same day, contrary to his planned resignation on August 14.
Horatti's resignation letter, shared by the Chief Minister's Office, stated he was resigning of his own free will.
Horatti said he has served in the House for 46 years and complied to avoid a confrontational situation.
Legislative Council Secretary Jyothi issued a notification declaring the Chairman's post vacant, and Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed has been nominated for the post.
- Who
- Basavaraj Horatti, former Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar
- What
- Horatti resigned as Legislative Council Chairman, alleging he was forced to sign the resignation letter against his planned timing
- When
- Horatti spoke to reporters on Tuesday; his resignation was tendered on Friday, ahead of his planned resignation date of August 14
- Where
- Karnataka, India; Horatti made his remarks to reporters in Hubballi
- Why
- Horatti said the state government compelled him to resign immediately despite an alleged understanding to allow him to resign on August 14, and he complied to avoid confrontation
Horatti's Account
Official Statement
Voluntary vs. Compulsory Resignation
Horatti's Account
Horatti says he had to sign his resignation under compulsion and was not given the opportunity to resign on the day he had planned.
Official Statement
Horatti's three-line resignation letter, shared by the Chief Minister's Office, stated he was tendering his resignation of his own free will.
Timing of Resignation
Horatti's Account
Horatti says there was an understanding with Chief Minister Shivakumar that he would resign on August 14 after expressing gratitude, but the CM insisted he sign the same day.
Official Statement
The Chief Minister's Office released the resignation letter immediately after meetings, and a notification was issued at once declaring the Chairman's post vacant, with no public acknowledgment of any August 14 agreement.
- Resigned post
- Chairman, Karnataka Legislative Council
- Resignation letter wording
- Resigning "of his own free will"
- Planned resignation date
- August 14
- Tenure in House
- 46 years
- Allegation
- Signed resignation under compulsion
- Nominated successor
- Saleem Ahmed (Congress MLC)
- Post status
- Chairman's post declared vacant via notification by Secretary Jyothi