Bengaluru

Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed was on Friday elected Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, defeating BJP nominee P H Pujar in a keenly contested election necessitated by the resignation of Basavaraj Horatti from the post.

Ahmed secured 38 votes, while 30 were cast against his election, Pro-tem Chairman Puttanna announced in the House.

"Under Rule 7 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, since the House has approved the first motion moved by Shri B K Hariprasad and seconded by Dr Yathindra S, I declare that Shri Saleem Ahmed has been elected as Chairman. I congratulate Shri Saleem Ahmed," Puttanna said.

The BJP had fielded MLC P H Pujar for the post, setting up a contest with Ahmed.

After the votes were counted, Puttanna declared the motion carried and said the election had been conducted in accordance with Rule 7(5) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Karnataka Legislative Council.

"A total of 38 votes have been cast in favour of the motion, and a total of 30 votes have been cast against the motion. The motion has been carried," he said.

Puttanna then requested the Leader of the House, Leader of the Opposition, the mover and seconder of the motion to escort Ahmed to the Chair.

"I request the Hon'ble Leader of the House, the Hon'ble Leader of the Opposition, the mover of the motion and the seconder of the motion to escort Shri Saleem Ahmed to the Chair," he said.

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The election was necessitated by Horatti's resignation as Chairman of the Council.