“For the upcoming winter session of the legislature, we have secured 2,756 rooms to accommodate ministers, MLAs, officials, staff, and journalists. These include tourist resorts, private hotels, and guest houses from various institutions,” stated Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan during a press conference on Friday.
He added, “The room rates from last year will remain unchanged, as hotel owners have agreed to this arrangement. Additionally, ten committees have been formed to ensure the smooth conduct of the session.”
Roshan highlighted measures taken to streamline public access to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. “In previous years, people faced challenges obtaining passes to meet their representatives. This time, we have introduced an online pass system, with a dedicated portal for the representatives’ staff to issue them.”
The Deputy Commissioner also detailed provisions for visitors. “We have set up canteens at eight locations on a paid basis for those attending the Kalapa. Additionally, 38 different types of shops have been permitted to open, where sweets from North Karnataka, including Kunda, will be available.”
Regarding upcoming events, he said, “The centenary program of the Congress session is scheduled for December 26 and 27. However, starting December 9, 30 circles in Belgaum city, including Veera Soudha, will be adorned with decorative lights inspired by the Mysore Dasara model.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved a Rs 24 crore proposal for various projects related to the Congress session centenary, which will be executed in phases, he added.
Responding to allegations that outstation officials were pressuring local authorities for party funds, Roshan denied such claims.
City Police Commissioner Yada Martin Marbanyang shared updates on security arrangements: “We are deploying 6,023 police personnel, including 6 SPs and 10 additional SPs. Thirty drone cameras will also be utilized for surveillance.” District Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guleda and Zilla Panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde were present at the briefing.
‘No Permission for Maha Melav’
District Magistrate Mohammad Roshan addressed concerns about the Maharashtra Unification Committee’s planned Maha Melav. “We have persuaded the committee’s leaders to refrain from organizing a Maha Melav as a counter to the winter session. Permission will not be granted under any circumstances, and strict action will be taken if such an event occurs,” he warned.
