Karnataka Winter Assembly Session: Opposition Gears Up to Challenge Siddaramaiah Government

Bengaluru, Dec 8 (NationPress) The atmosphere is charged for intense discussions during the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, which will occur from December 9 to December 20 at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, a city located in north Karnataka.

The opposition parties, specifically the BJP and JD(S), are set to scrutinize the Congress-led Karnataka government, particularly as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is making history as the first CM in the state to appear before the Lokayukta for questioning over his alleged involvement in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

The matter of maternal fatalities in the Ballari district, with the state reporting 327 official maternal deaths this year, is expected to ignite strong reactions in both the Assembly and Council. This issue, emerging just ahead of the winter session, presents a considerable challenge for the ruling Congress party.

Additional pressing topics anticipated to be highlighted by the opposition include the Waqf controversy, the Maharshi Valmiki Tribal Welfare Corporation scam, internal reservations, allocation of funds for MLAs, and alleged appeasement strategies by the Congress government.

Conversely, the ruling Congress party is prepared to meet the opposition's challenges confidently, buoyed by their recent victories in three Assembly by-elections. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remains optimistic following these wins, asserting that they signify a strong response from the people of Karnataka to the allegations leveled against him.

The Congress government is also ready to confront the BJP regarding the alleged Covid scam during its administration. Deputy CM and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has cautioned that those who gained from the scam will face repercussions.

The BJP has announced plans for a significant protest on the inaugural day of the winter session in front of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha concerning the Waqf issue. While the Congress may feel reassured by its recent bypoll victories, the BJP and JD(S) have vowed to persist in their opposition to the government.

This winter session holds historical importance as it aligns with the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's address during the 39th Congress session in Belagavi on December 26–27, 1924. To commemorate this event, a Congress session is scheduled in Belagavi on the same dates this year.

The administrative framework of Siddaramaiah’s government has relocated to Belagavi for the session. During his previous tenure (2013–2018), Siddaramaiah consistently held the session in Belagavi for five consecutive years. This marks the second session of his current term, and the district administration has taken all necessary measures to ensure its smooth operation.

The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) is planning a large-scale rally against the government on the first day of the session. This year, permission for the MES rally has been denied as well. To avert disturbances, the Police Commissioner has imposed prohibitory orders. Additionally, the district administration is ready to limit the entry of Maharashtra leaders into Belagavi.

Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peeth seer Basava Jaya Mruthynjaya Swami leading protests for reservation under the 2A category has declared his intention to encircle the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha during the winter session with thousands of tractors. He has also accused community leaders of being targeted and intimidated by the Congress government.

Political analysts foresee dramatic scenes, chaos, and protests in both chambers of the state legislature throughout this winter session.