Karnataka Council Chairman Election: Congress and BJP Field Candidates

The election follows the resignation of Basavaraj Horatti, who had been serving as Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council. Congress has nominated Salim Ahmed for the vacant post, while BJP has entered P H Pujar into the contest.

Salim Ahmed submitted his nomination papers to Legislative Council Secretary Jyothi. KPCC president and Council member B K Hariprasad and minister Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah accompanied him during the nomination process.

Congress confident of victory

Speaking after filing his nomination, Salim Ahmed said it would have been preferable if the Chairman were chosen unanimously. However, he expressed confidence that he would win if the election goes ahead.

The BJP decision to field a candidate has added a competitive edge to the election. The party does not currently have the numbers required to comfortably secure victory, but it has nevertheless decided to participate in the contest.

BJP prepares for another contest

The opposition party is also reportedly considering fielding a candidate for the Deputy Chairman post. Although the numbers may not favour the BJP, the move could allow the party to use the proceedings to underline its opposition to the ruling Congress.

The Chairman election is therefore expected to attract attention beyond the voting itself. With both parties putting forward candidates, the contest is likely to reflect the wider political equation inside the Karnataka Legislative Council.

The immediate focus, however, remains on the August 14 vote and whether the Congress candidate can secure the required support to take charge of the Council.