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Opposition BJP and JDS are set to confront the Congress government on a host of issues, including farmers' suicide, as the monsoon session of Karnataka legislature begins here tomorrow.
Giving an indication of the shape of things to come, BJP senior leader B S Yeddyurappa, former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar and other state leaders were arrested today as they tried to stage a march here defying prohibitory orders against government over various issues, including payment of dues by sugar mills to sugarcane growers. Ahead of the session, Legislative Assembly Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa also said government should work towards implementing the schemes they have announced, or else it will be of "no use".
"If government brings out any scheme, they should work towards implementing it, if they don't work towards it, it will be a waste," said Thimmappa, whose blunt remarks critical of the government have often put it in an embarrassing spot. "Deliver on schemes you announce... or else what is the use?" he said. Doing away with the normal practice of holding only winter session here, the state government has this time decided to hold the first half of monsoon session in Belgavi district, bordering Maharashtra, in north Karnataka.
The legislature session is being held here for the last several years to reassert Karnataka's position that Belagavi is part of the state as neighbouring Maharashtra has been laying claims over it in the decades old border dispute. The sittings of Assembly and Council will be held from June 29 to July 10 in Belagavi and from July 13 to July 24 in Bengaluru. The session is being held primarily to pass the appropriation bill as the Siddaramaiah government had sought a vote on account for four months till July 31.
Huge arrears to sugarcane growers, a major problem for cane growers in Belagavi district which is considered a sugar bowl of the state, and other issues concerning farmers are expected to be the focus of attention at the session. JD(S) lead by its leader H D Kumaraswamy is already on a protest march from Hubbali to Belagvai on farmers' issues. Both BJP and JDS, whose leaders have been cosying up to each other in recent weeks, are expected to make a coordinated attack on the government.
According to sources, parties at Business Advisory Committee meeting tomorrow are likely to press for curtailing the session in the wake of polls to civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike on July 28.
