Suvarna Vidhana Soudha braces for an intense eight-day Winter Session as ruling and opposition parties line up aggressive strategies; security tightened across Belagavi.
The Winter Session of the Karnataka Legislature begins today at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, transforming the city into the state’s political centre for the next eight days. Final preparations inside both Houses have been completed, with the government readying key bills, including the proposed Hate Speech legislation, and the opposition sharpening its attack strategy.
Belagavi has been fully readied for the annual legislative shift, and the entire administrative machinery has temporarily moved to the city. The ruling party and the opposition have outlined detailed plans, anticipating a combative session from day one.
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Opposition plans aggressive attack
The BJP and JD(S) combine has identified several issues to corner the government:
• Alleged failures of the state government across departments
• Reports of mobile phones and illicit liquor inside prisons
• The controversy involving Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s watch purchase
• The “chair fight” episode being used to question government functioning
• Delays in flood relief and the TB Dam water release issue
• Cane farmers’ hardships and demand for more procurement centres
• Concerns over inadequate grants to develop Kalyana Karnataka
• Raising long-pending North Karnataka region issues
JD(S) MLA from Gurmitkal, Sharangouda Kandakur, has publicly expressed displeasure even before the session began, posting a WhatsApp status saying he was welcoming the government delegation to Belagavi “with a heavy heart.”
Government prepares strong counterpoints
The ruling party has also drafted its counter strategy. It plans to highlight:
• Decisions already taken to support sugarcane farmers
• Alleged discrimination by the Union Government in fund allocation
• Internal disputes within the BJP
• Progress on development projects across the state
• Prioritising the passage of pending bills, including the Hate Speech Bill
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Chief Minister arrives early
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reached Belagavi a day ahead of the session. He flew from Bengaluru to Hubballi by special aircraft, then travelled by helicopter to Nargund to attend a mass marriage event before heading to Suvarna Soudha. He stayed overnight in Belagavi to review preparations personally.
Security heightened across Belagavi
Following intelligence inputs linked to incidents in Delhi, Belagavi Police, under Commissioner Bhushan Borase, have enforced high-level security. The city has effectively turned into a secure zone, with multiple checkpoints and enhanced surveillance. Designated protest sites have been set up at Suvarna Garden and Alarawad to prevent disruption near the Soudha.
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