Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti on Friday rejected the ruling party’s move to adopt a resolution condemning the Governor’s truncated address and abrupt exit from the joint session, while referring the Opposition’s complaint on alleged misconduct during the Governor’s exit to the Council’s Ethics and Conduct Committee.
His rulings followed prolonged uproar and repeated adjournments as the stand-off between the ruling and Opposition benches over the Governor’s conduct and the alleged misconduct of Congress members dominated proceedings.
After the Chair rejected the ruling party’s plea, Congress member Puttanna submitted a written appeal seeking reconsideration. Following this, Mr. Horatti said he would examine “the pros and cons” of admitting the appeal.
The controversy over the Governor’s exit spilled into a larger confrontation between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP–JD(S), consuming almost the entire sitting. Allegations and counter-allegations over “misconduct” inside the House escalated into slogan-shouting across the aisle, prompting Mr. Horatti to adjourn the House thrice.
Soon after the House assembled, Leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy raised the issue and demanded the suspension of members who allegedly obstructed the Governor as he was leaving the joint session on Thursday.
Ruling party members countered that it was the Governor who “disrespected the national anthem and the Constitution” by exiting without waiting for the anthem to be played. Congress members also submitted a letter seeking a discussion on the issue and action against the Governor first.
The exchanges soon turned heated with both sides shouting slogans. BJP–JD(S) members raised slogans demanding suspension of members, while Congress members shouted “Go back Governor.”
Earlier, Mr. Narayanaswamy and Congress member B.K. Hariprasad sparred over whether a point of order could be raised before the matter had been formally brought up.
Published – January 23, 2026 07:40 pm IST
