The appointees include Dr. Aarti Krishna, Vice-President of Karnataka’s NRI Forum, an education expert, labor leader, and Vice-President of the AICC SC Cell’s Dr. Ambedkar Foundation; F.H. Jakkappanavar, associated with the AICC SC Cell; Shivakumar K., Senior Assistant Editor at The New Indian Express; and Ramesh Babu, Chairman of the KPCC Media Cell and former JDS MLC.
The four nominees are expected to take their oath of office once Basavaraj Horatti, Chairman of the Legislative Council, assigns a date. Ramesh Babu’s term will extend until July 21, 2026, as he fills the vacancy left by C.P. Yogeshwara, who resigned and is now the Channapatna MLA. The other three appointees will serve a full six-year term.
With the Governor’s approval for these nominations, the Congress party has emerged as the single largest party in the Legislative Council, surpassing the combined strength of the BJP and JDS, which together hold 37 seats. While the numbers may seem evenly matched at first glance, the presence of independent member Lakhan Jarkiholi, brother of Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, in the Upper House provides Congress a strategic edge, helping the party navigate previous challenges in the Council.
