The Karnataka government is grappling with finalizing the dates for the Winter Legislative Session at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, as multiple major events are scheduled for December.
The Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, initially planned for February 2024 but postponed due to drought and other reasons, has been rescheduled for December 20-23 in Mandya. Additionally, the centenary celebrations of the 1924 Belgaum Congress Session, attended by Mahatma Gandhi, are slated for December 26-27 in Belagavi.
This scheduling overlap has left the government in a fix. Holding the winter session in the third or fourth week of December poses challenges, as it would coincide with these key events. Pro-Kannada groups are urging the government to stick to the Sahitya Sammelana’s new dates, adding to the pressure.
“There is ongoing discussion about holding the session in the first two weeks of December,” said sources.
The recent monsoon session, conducted in July, left several bills pending, and preparations by Council and Assembly staff are already underway. Officials are waiting for approval from the CM and DCM, after which the proposed dates will be presented to the cabinet for final clearance.
With bypolls scheduled for November in Sandur, Channapatna, and Shiggaon constituencies, new members are expected to take their oaths and participate in the winter session once the results are announced on November 23.
