- विज्ञापन -
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Legislative Assembly is set for a high-stakes winter session from December 9 to December 20 at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, a city in northern Karnataka. The opposition parties, including the BJP and JD(S), are ready to confront the Congress-led government, particularly as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faces questioning by the Lokayukta regarding the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam—marking a historic first for a CM in the state.
The Assembly is expected to see heated discussions on the alarming issue of maternal deaths in the Ballari region, with 327 reported this year, posing a significant challenge for the ruling Congress party. Other contentious topics likely to arise include the Waqf controversy, the Maharshi Valmiki Tribal Welfare Corporation scam, internal reservations, funding for MLAs, and accusations of the Congress government’s appeasement policies.
Despite these challenges, the Congress party is approaching the session with confidence following recent victories in three Assembly by-elections. Siddaramaiah believes these wins reflect public support against the allegations directed at him. The Congress is also prepared to counter the BJP’s claims regarding a Covid scam from their previous administration, with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar vowing to hold accountable those who profited from it.
On the first day of the session, the BJP has announced plans for a large protest concerning the Waqf issue. Although the Congress may feel reassured by its recent electoral success, the BJP and JD(S) are committed to continuing their opposition efforts.
This winter session is particularly notable as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s address at the 39th Congress session in Belagavi on December 26–27, 1924. In recognition of this milestone, the Congress will hold a session in Belagavi on the same dates this year.
Siddaramaiah’s government has relocated its administrative operations to Belagavi for the session. During his previous term from 2013 to 2018, he consistently held sessions in Belagavi, and this marks the second session of his current term. The district administration is fully prepared to ensure a smooth process.
The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) is also planning a significant rally against the government on the first day of the session, although their request for permission has been denied again this year. To maintain order, prohibitory orders have been issued by the Police Commissioner, and the district administration is ready to limit the entry of Maharashtra leaders into Belagavi.
Additionally, Basava Jaya Mruthynjaya Swami, the seer of the Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peeth, has announced plans to stage a protest with thousands of tractors, demanding reservation under the 2A category, claiming that community leaders are being targeted by the Congress government.
Political analysts anticipate a tumultuous session filled with protests and dramatic events in both Houses of the state legislature.
