Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti chaired the proceedings of the Karnataka Legislative Council continuously for more than 11 hours, drawing attention across political circles for his endurance, composure and firm control over a marathon sitting of the Upper House. The extended session, marked by intense debates, procedural wrangles and opposition protests, became a testament to both parliamentary persistence and the demands placed on presiding officers in an increasingly polarised political climate.
The proceedings began in the morning and stretched late into the night as the House took up crucial legislative and policy-related business. Despite repeated disruptions, sharp exchanges between treasury and opposition benches, and the physical strain of presiding for such a prolonged duration, Mr. Horatti remained in the Chair without a break, steering the House through the agenda listed for the day.
Members across party lines acknowledged that it was rare for a presiding officer to remain continuously in the Chair for over 11 hours. While marathon sittings are not unprecedented, they are usually managed with brief adjournments or by sharing responsibilities with the Deputy Chairman. On this occasion, however, Mr. Horatti chose to remain present throughout, citing the importance of completing legislative business amid a tight Assembly session schedule.
The long sitting was necessitated by delays caused earlier in the day due to heated debates and repeated adjournments. With time running out and several key matters pending, the Council decided to extend proceedings. What followed was an unusually long and demanding session that tested the stamina of legislators and officials alike.
Observers noted that the Chairman’s decision to continue uninterrupted sent a strong signal about institutional responsibility. At a time when legislative productivity is often questioned, the uninterrupted sitting underscored the pressure to ensure that the House discharges its duties, even under strained circumstances.
Managing Disorder, Debate and Democratic Duty
Throughout the prolonged sitting, the Council witnessed frequent disruptions, particularly during discussions on contentious issues. Opposition members staged protests, raised slogans and repeatedly sought clarifications, leading to tense moments on the floor of the House. Maintaining order under such conditions required constant intervention from the Chair.
Mr. Horatti repeatedly appealed to members to respect the dignity of the House and allow debates to proceed. On several occasions, he was seen patiently listening to points of order, objections and counter-arguments before giving rulings. Despite the fatigue that naturally sets in during long sittings, his responses remained measured and consistent, earning appreciation from senior legislators.
Members from the treasury benches praised the Chairman for ensuring that legislative business was not derailed by disruptions. They argued that prolonged protests had already affected the functioning of the House on earlier days and that the extended sitting was necessary to compensate for lost time.
Opposition leaders, while critical of certain rulings, also acknowledged the physical and mental effort involved in presiding for such an extended duration. Some members remarked that disagreements with the Chair are part of parliamentary democracy, but the Chairman’s role in facilitating debate under difficult conditions deserved recognition.
The extended sitting also highlighted the procedural challenges faced by the Council. Several members raised concerns about limited time for detailed discussion, arguing that marathon sessions can sometimes compromise the quality of debate. However, others countered that disruptions leave little choice but to extend sittings if pending business is to be completed.
Officials of the Council Secretariat were also on duty throughout the long hours, coordinating legislative paperwork, recording proceedings and assisting the Chair. The session placed considerable demands on staff, reflecting the broader institutional effort required to keep legislative processes running smoothly.
As the night wore on, attendance in the House fluctuated, with some members leaving due to exhaustion while others remained present till the end. Despite thinning numbers, the Chair continued proceedings, ensuring that listed items were taken up in sequence.
Political Reactions and Institutional Significance
News of Mr. Horatti chairing proceedings non-stop for over 11 hours quickly spread beyond the Council chamber, prompting reactions from political leaders and commentators. Many described the episode as symbolic of the pressures faced by constitutional authorities in managing legislative business amid political confrontation.
Senior leaders recalled Mr. Horatti’s long association with the legislature and his reputation for procedural knowledge and discipline. Having served in various capacities over decades, he is regarded as one of the most experienced parliamentarians in the State. His decision to continue presiding without a break was seen as consistent with his style of prioritising institutional continuity.
Supporters described the moment as a reminder of the often-unseen demands placed on presiding officers. Unlike members who can step out or take brief rests, the Chair is required to remain alert, impartial and engaged throughout proceedings. Extended sittings magnify this responsibility, making endurance as much a requirement as procedural expertise.
Critics, however, raised questions about whether such long sittings are desirable. Some argued that legislative efficiency should not come at the cost of physical strain on presiding officers and staff. They called for better time management, consensus-building and adherence to schedules to avoid the need for marathon sessions.
The episode has also prompted reflections on the physical and mental well-being of those holding constitutional positions. Former presiding officers and senior legislators have pointed out that while dedication is admirable, institutions must also evolve mechanisms to prevent burnout. They have suggested structured breaks, rotation of presiding duties and more predictable scheduling as ways to balance efficiency with human limits.
Within the Council Secretariat, the marathon sitting has renewed discussions on preparedness for extended sessions. Staff members, who worked continuously alongside the Chair, played a critical role in ensuring that proceedings were recorded accurately and business was conducted smoothly. Officials say the experience highlighted both the commitment of personnel and the need for adequate logistical planning during prolonged sittings.
The long hours also brought renewed focus on legislative decorum. Some senior members observed that repeated disruptions not only delay business but also force such extreme measures. They argued that respecting debate time and parliamentary rules would allow the House to function within scheduled hours, reducing pressure on the Chair and the institution as a whole.
Political commentators have noted that moments like these often fade quickly from public memory, even though they reflect deeper systemic issues. The endurance displayed by the Chairman may be praised, they said, but unless underlying causes such as frequent adjournments and confrontational politics are addressed, similar situations are likely to recur.
In retrospect, the non-stop 11-hour sitting has come to symbolise both resilience and warning. It showcased the strength of legislative institutions to function under strain, while simultaneously highlighting the urgent need for reforms in conduct and time management. For many observers, it serves as a reminder that democracy depends not only on laws and debates, but also on the sustained, often taxing efforts of those entrusted to keep its processes alive.
Political analysts noted that the episode reflects deeper challenges in legislative functioning. Frequent disruptions, walkouts and protests have become common, reducing productive hours. Extended sittings, they said, are often reactive measures rather than planned strategies, highlighting the need for reforms in parliamentary conduct.
The incident has also sparked discussion on the role of the Legislative Council itself. As an Upper House meant to provide revising and deliberative scrutiny, the Council’s effectiveness depends on calm and detailed debate. Prolonged and tense sessions risk undermining this role if fatigue affects participation.
At the same time, many see the 11-hour sitting as an assertion of democratic resolve. Completing legislative business despite obstacles sends a message that governance cannot be held hostage to disruptions. In this sense, the Chairman’s endurance became a symbol of institutional persistence.
As proceedings finally concluded late at night, there was a palpable sense of exhaustion within the House. Yet there was also recognition that a significant moment had unfolded in the Council’s history. Mr. Horatti’s non-stop chairing of the session was widely described as unusual, demanding and reflective of his commitment to legislative duty.
In a brief remark at the end of the sitting, the Chairman thanked members and staff for their cooperation, urging legislators to uphold the dignity of the House in future sessions. His understated closing words contrasted with the intensity of the day, reinforcing his image as a presiding officer focused more on institution than personal credit.
For the Karnataka Legislative Council, the marathon sitting will likely be remembered as an example of both the strain and strength of parliamentary democracy. It exposed the pressures created by political confrontation but also highlighted the capacity of institutions to function under stress.
Whether such extended sittings become a precedent or remain an exception will depend on how political actors conduct themselves in future sessions. Many legislators privately expressed hope that better coordination and mutual respect would reduce the need for such endurance tests.
For now, the image of the Chairman presiding continuously for over 11 hours stands as a powerful reminder of the human effort behind democratic processes. Beyond statistics of laws passed or hours logged, it underscored the quiet perseverance required to keep legislative institutions running.
In an era where political noise often overshadows institutional work, the long sitting chaired by Basavaraj Horatti brought attention back to the Chair itself, and to the demanding role of those entrusted with safeguarding the procedures and spirit of democracy.
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