Karnataka Legislative Council chairperson Basavaraj Horatti, who found himself at the centre of a political storm after Congress MLC Nagaraj Yadav alleged corruption in recent Secretariat recruitments, denied the allegations on Monday and demanded proof.

“I will step down even if one corruption charge is proved against me. If any person is making allegations without proof, he is nothing but a coward,” Horatti, a BJP member, said at a press conference.

Amid speculation that Congress leaders were considering moving a no-confidence motion against him, Horatti left Belagavi—where the Winter Session of the Karnataka legislature is on—for Bengaluru on Monday night, saying his wife was unwell.

Yadav has accused Horatti of irregularities in direct recruitment to various posts in the Secretari

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