Terming reports about him being asked to resign as just a rumour, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has categorically stated that no one, including Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, had spoken to him on the issue officially and none had sought his resignation.

Speaking to presspersons in Hubballi on Thursday, Mr. Horatti clarified that it was true that Mr. Shivakumar had called him over telephone but it was only to enquire about his health when he was in hospital. He further clarified that Mr. Shivakumar had not mentioned anything about resignation during their telephonic conversation.

Mr. Horatti, however, categorically stated that if he was asked to resign, he would tender his resignation immediately and was not interested in sticking to the chair.

“From 1956 to the present day, all the chairpersons of the Legislative Council have completed their term. The Chairman has not been changed even after change of government and despite having majority in their favour,” he said, adding that his term would conclude in July, 2028.

The Chairman said that in the history of the Karnataka Legislative Council there was no instance of any no confidence motion being moved against the chairpersons.

“All these years legislators have been reluctant to become Chairman of the Council. I don’t know why suddenly people have developed attraction towards the chair,” he said.

He said that two Congress Council members had their eyes on the chair and they were spreading rumours.