Karnataka Assembly session set for heated debates

Bengaluru

The Karnataka legislature's first session of the year, beginning today, is expected to be stormy, with internal rifts in both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP.

The 15-day session will start with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot addressing the joint sitting at Vidhana Soudha. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present his 16th state budget on March 7, with an estimated outlay of ₹4 lakh crore, up from ₹3.71 lakh crore this fiscal.

The session takes place amid ongoing speculations about a leadership change in Congress under a "rotational chief minister" or "power-sharing" formula. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar is seen as a strong contender for the post, but CM Siddaramaiah’s supporters insist he will continue.

The opposition BJP is also grappling with internal conflicts, with calls for replacing state unit President B.Y. Vijayendra. However, BJP and JD(S) are united in challenging the government, focusing on price hikes for bus and metro fares, a proposed increase in milk and water prices, and alleged financial mismanagement linked to the state's five guarantee schemes.

The opposition is likely to raise concerns over the Karnataka Lokayukta clearing CM Siddaramaiah and his wife in the MUDA site allotment case, as well as law and order issues in Mysuru and Belagavi. Meanwhile, Congress is expected to target the Centre over tax devolution, the proposed delimitation exercise, and delays in state projects.

Key bills, including the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill and the Karnataka Micro Loan and Small Loan (Prevention of Coercive Actions) Bill, will be tabled, sparking further intense debates. The long-pending caste census report may also be a contentious topic during the session.

Major Issues for Debate

• Price hikes:

  • Increased fares for state-run buses & Bengaluru Metro

  • Proposed rise in milk and water prices

• Allegations against Congress:

  • Burdening people with taxes for five guarantee schemes

  • Alleged diversion of SC/ST funds for these schemes

• Law and order concerns:

  • Mysuru unrest in Udayagiri

  • Belagavi language row over Marathi-Kannada dispute

• Caste census report delay likely to spark debates