Hubballi: Legislative Council pro-tem chairman, Basavaraj Horatti on Wednesday promised to resign from his position in the Lingayat Mahasabha and stay away from the movement for independent religion status for the community if elected chairman of the council.
Speaking to reporters, he explained that he could not take part in such agitations when holding a Constitutional post. “I will only attend meetings and conventions of the Mahasabha and work with honesty and efficiency to uphold the dignity of the post of Council chairman,” he said.
Admitting that he was keen on becoming a minister, he said that the teachers community, which had elected him for the record seventh time to the council, was backing him on this. On the warning by Minister for primary and secondary education, N Mahesh against teachers taking part in a protest, Mr Horatti said no government teacher had taken part in the agitation and teachers of private educational institutions had the right to hold such protests.
“I have agreed with the decision of the JD(S) top brass as there is a coalition government in the state. I have also not forgotten my loyalty to the party. I still hope to get a ministerial berth in the future. I am confident that I will continue as a full- time chairman of the Legislative Council if denied a ministry,” Mr Horatti said. Refusing to react to the statements of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he said the Budget would be presented on July 5 as scheduled.
“There is a feeling that the council chairman cannot do anything. But I can get work done from the CM and his Cabinet colleagues. My loyalists and teachers should not worry,” he said.
