To look after his better political carrier, senior Legislative Councillor, Basavaraj Horatti hammer the last nail to his ‘mother party’ JD(S) and joined BJP.

Horatti the senior most snd record 7-time councillor of Karnataka Legislative Council from JD(S) since 1980 hold the ‘saffon flag’ at the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Bengaluru on Tuesday.

There were speculation about his exit from JD(S), Horatti on last April 3, announced that he would join the BJP. He also said that he will likely be the BJP’s candidate for the upcoming Legislative Council polls from West Teachers’ constituency.

Horatti was elected MLC seven successive times from 1980. He had told news persons that his decision to join the BJP came after talks held with former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and BJP national president JP Nadda, during which they invited Horatti to join the party.

He also said that JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy too said he has no objections to Horatti’s decision. “I’m still the chairman, I will join the BJP ahead of filing nomination, once the elections are declared. All leaders, including Chief Minister (Basavaraj Bommai) and Yediyurappa have agreed. Yediyurappa called me yesterday (Saturday) and said JP Nadda has agreed, things are almost final,” he added.

Considered to be among the senior-most MLCs, Horatti was seen as JD(S)’s prominent face from north Karnataka. He had been State Education Minister, and was elected as the Chairman of the Legislative Council in February 2021. The MLC polls from graduates’ and teachers’ constituencies are expected to be held in June or July this year.