---
title: "Saleem Ahmed Elected Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Amidst BJP Objections"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/saleem-ahmed-karnataka-legislative-council-chairman-election-mphd3
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-14T15:00:29.503Z
modified: 2026-08-14T18:00:07.107Z
language: en-IN
---

# Saleem Ahmed Elected Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Amidst BJP Objections

Senior Congress leader Saleem Ahmed has been elected the new Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, defeating BJP nominee P.H. Pujar. The election broke with tradition, as the BJP fielded a candidate due to objections over the exit of the former Chairman.

## Key takeaways

- Saleem Ahmed has been elected the new Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council.
- Ahmed defeated BJP nominee P.H. Pujar with a vote count of 38 to 30.
- The election broke a tradition of unanimous selection for the post, with the BJP objecting to the former chairman's exit.
- Both ruling and opposition members escorted Ahmed to his seat after the vote.

Senior Congress leader Saleem Ahmed was elected as the new Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council on Friday, securing 38 votes. He defeated Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member P.H. Pujar, who received 30 votes, including six from Janata Dal (Secular), an NDA ally.

## What Happened

The election marked a departure from the recent decades-long tradition of electing a Chairman unanimously. The BJP objected to the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the former Chairman, Basavaraj Horatti, which led them to field Mr. Pujar as their candidate. Despite the election, Mr. Ahmed expressed regret over the process, stating that the post belongs to the House and not to any party. Both ruling and opposition members escorted Mr. Ahmed to the seat.

## Why It Matters

The election highlights a political disagreement over the handling of the former Chairman's departure. BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, accused government functionaries of compelling Mr. Horatti to resign prematurely. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president B.K. Hariprasad stated that Mr. Horatti was given the option to resign or face a no-confidence motion, and the Congress chose the former to uphold the dignity of the House.

## Background

Basavaraj Horatti, the outgoing Chairman and a veteran member, had sought time to deliver a thanksgiving message before stepping down. The BJP and JD(S) members felt he should have been afforded a more honourable exit. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar acknowledged Mr. Horatti's contributions and assured him of future opportunities. Mr. Horatti, serving his eighth term, indicated he would contest again and win.

## Key Facts

 
- Saleem Ahmed was elected Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council on Friday.
 
- Ahmed secured 38 votes, while BJP nominee P.H. Pujar received 30 votes.
 
- Six votes for Pujar came from the NDA ally Janata Dal (Secular).
 
- The BJP fielded Pujar due to objections over the exit of former Chairman Basavaraj Horatti.
 
- The election broke a recent tradition of unanimous election for the Chairman's post.
 
- Outgoing Chairman Basavaraj Horatti is in his eighth term in the House.

---
Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/saleem-ahmed-karnataka-legislative-council-chairman-election-mphd3
Reported from: Multiple Sources