Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Mar 26: Congress has reportedly begun behind-the-scene manoeuvre to wrest the position of chairmanship of the legislative council. Currently, BJP's Shankaramurthy is continuing in that seat although BJP is in minority in the upper house. This time around, Congress has succeeded in getting support of JD(S) for this effort.

It is said that come Congress councillors have already mooted this proposal with the chief minister and he has given his nod for the proposal. In all likelihood, Congress councillors will meet here on Monday March 27 to decide whether no confidence motion has to be moved against the chairman during the current session.

Last year around, the above two parties had eyed this position but the efforts failed to bear fruit as JD(S) insisted on getting this post. JD(S) has been desirous of making its long-time councillor, Basavaraj Horatti, council chairman. During the last year, Shankaramurthy had stated that JD(S) leadership had assured him that his position would not be harmed, although that party made an effort to get this seat for its member later. As per information, JD(S) gas assured Congress party of supporting the move if it made an effort to move the said motion in the council.

In the 75-member legislative council, Congress has a membership of 31 as against 23 of BJP. There are 12 JD(S) councillors while five are independents. Three seats are vacant, and the remaining lone seat is occupied by the chairman. Shankaramurthy's term ends in June next year.

Although JD(S) is pitching for Basavaraj Horatti, chances of him getting support is bleak as Congress has more members in the council. Congress also has an obligation towards its veteran leader and former minister, S R Patil, who lost his ministerial position during the last reshuffle and is disgruntled at this loss of face.

With the support of JD(S), Congress will be able to get simple majority in the council, which is needed to pass non-confidence motion. There have been rumours that Shankaramurthy is being made governor of some s state since sometime, but no such move has so far been undertaken by the central government.