Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Dec 22: Chairman of Karnataka Legislative Council, K Prathapchandra Shetty, is learnt to be readying to quit his post. He has already vacated the government quarters and returned the vehicle allotted to him by the government.

In the legislative council, JD(S) has already tendered a letter pledging its support to the BJP. Therefore, prima facie, Shetty has lost the confidence of the house. Parliamentary procedures are the only things which need to be complied with now. It is said that Shetty wants to quit before these processes happen.

After the BJP and the JD(S) expressed no-confidence in the council chairman, the Congress insisted that the chairman had to conduct the proceedings of the house. The BJP wanted the deputy speaker to chair the session. This had given rise to pandemonium in the council.

Sources said that Shetty vacated his residential accommodation and returned the vehicle on Sunday itself. He is under pressure from the Congress leaders not to resign, which has put Shetty in a dilemma now, sources said. Congress leaders plan to floor the BJP and the JD(S) on the issue when their motion is tabled for discussions in the house.

The chairman has already served notice to council secretary, K R Mahalakshmi, relating to the commotion in the council on December 15. She has sought time till Tuesday December 22 to furnish clarification. Her written clarification also is anticipated.