Sun Sep 07 17:40:02 UTC 2025: **Summary of Text:**
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot nominated four individuals to the Legislative Council, shifting the balance of power in favor of the Congress party. This increase in Congress’s strength is expected to bring the position of the Chairman of the House, currently held by Basavaraj Horatti (BJP), into focus. The Congress is considering replacing Horatti during the upcoming Winter Session, potentially with the support of an Independent member and a possible legal victory in an election petition. While Horatti maintains a cordial relationship with the Chief Minister, the Congress party aims to exert control over the Council and is exploring options for a change in leadership.
**News Article:**
**Congress Gains Upper Hand in Karnataka Legislative Council, Chairman’s Position in Jeopardy**
**Bengaluru, September 7, 2025** – A series of nominations by Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has significantly bolstered the Congress party’s presence in the Legislative Council, shifting the balance of power in the 75-member Upper House. The move puts the current Chairman, Basavaraj Horatti of the BJP, in a precarious position.
Governor Gehlot nominated Arathi Krishna, F.H. Jakkappanavar, K. Shivakumar, and Ramesh Babu to fill vacant seats, bringing the Congress’s total strength to 37, surpassing the combined strength of the BJP (29) and Janata Dal (Secular) (7), which stands at 36.
With the increased numbers, Congress is reportedly considering a move to replace Horatti, who has held the position since December 2022. Sources within the Congress party suggest the move could be initiated during the Winter Session in Belagavi later this year.
“Some names are being discussed informally, and no serious discussions have taken place. A notice to change the Chairman could be submitted before the Belagavi session,” a Congress source revealed.
The party is also hoping to secure the support of Independent member Lakhan Jarkiholi, who is known to be close to his brother, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi. Furthermore, the Congress is optimistic about a potential legal victory in an election petition related to Deputy Chairman M.K. Pranesh, which is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
Sources indicate that KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar, who led the party to victory in the 2023 Assembly elections, is keen to extend that success to the Legislative Council. Despite Horatti’s amicable relationship with Chief Minister SIddaramaiah, the Congress appears determined to exert its influence on the Council’s leadership.
The situation remains fluid, and “there is a small window of opportunity for Mr. Horatti if the members decide to have him continued,” sources noted. The political maneuvering within the Karnataka Legislative Council is expected to intensify in the coming months, with the future of the Chairman’s position hanging in the balance.