K’taka LoP accuses Congress govt of forcing Council chairman’s resignation
Bengaluru: Opposition Leader R. Ashoka on Friday accused the Congress government in Karnataka of indulging in “goondaism” after Congress leaders allegedly forced the resignation of Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti.
Ashoka, speaking to reporters after meeting Horatti, said the incident was an insult to the entire House. He noted that Horatti, continuously elected eight times and the senior‑most member in both Houses, had conducted sessions without blemish but was compelled to resign.
“He is currently in deep sorrow,” Ashoka stated.
According to Ashoka, Congress members barged into Horatti’s office without prior notice, brought letterheads, typed them and pressured him to sign.
He said Horatti had earlier indicated he would resign on August 14 after thanking everyone, but was denied the opportunity.
“No one in the history of the Legislative Council has been insulted like this. This is a black mark on the state government and an insult to the entire House,” Ashoka said.
Speaking after a preparatory meeting for the session, Ashoka alleged that the Congress government was engaging in unconstitutional work and looting the people.
He criticised the leadership for undertaking a Delhi yatra while drought continued to affect many districts, particularly central Karnataka, without declaring drought or providing relief.
He further alleged that under the Bidadi Township project, farmers’ land was being grabbed for the real estate mafia, affecting about 10 lakh areca, mango, coconut and other trees.
He claimed a massive scam had taken place in the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC), with bribe money reaching ministers’ homes. He questioned the whereabouts of Rs 5,000 crore under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme.
Ashoka said the Central government had clearly stated there was no obstacle to the Mekedatu project, yet the Congress government had not moved to implement it. He accused the government of cutting ration cards and cheating people with low incomes.
He also alleged that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who “snatched the Chief Minister’s post by ousting Siddaramaiah”, was not providing proper administration.
He said mentioning the Speaker’s name on Congress letterheads was unconstitutional and vowed to wage a struggle against this in the Legislative Council.