Wed Mar 19 16:52:44 UTC 2025: ## Horticulture Officials Summoned Over Delayed BJP MLC Appointment
**Bengaluru, March 20, 2025** – The Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, Basavaraj Horatti, has summoned top officials from the Horticulture Department and the University of Horticulture Sciences, Bagalkot, following a delay in appointing BJP MLC Hanumanth Nirani to the university’s board.
Mr. Nirani, appointed eight months ago, complained on Tuesday that his appointment remained unconfirmed, threatening a privilege motion against Horticulture Minister S.S. Mallikarjun if action wasn’t taken by day’s end. Congress member Puttanna supported Mr. Nirani’s complaint, highlighting the disrespect shown to the Council Chairman’s directive.
Minister Mallikarjun attributed the delay to the file being in the Chief Minister’s Office. However, Mr. Horatti countered this by noting the swift acceptance of another board appointment made by the Speaker.
The Council Chairman has instructed the House Leader, S.N. Bose Raju, to ensure the presence of the Horticulture Department Secretary, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Registrar of the University of Horticulture Sciences in his chamber at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday to address the matter. The summons comes in the wake of rising political tensions surrounding the delayed appointment.
First Piper 