The Karnataka Legislature’s Winter Session opens today in Belagavi, with both the ruling and opposition benches preparing for a heated confrontation. Suvarna Soudha is fully set for the eight-day session, security has been intensified, and a range of contentious issues are expected to dominate discussions.
The session transforms Belagavi into the state’s political hub for the coming days, with all preparations completed in both Houses. The government is readying key bills, including the proposed Hate Speech legislation, while the opposition sharpens its strategy for an aggressive pushback.
Belagavi has been prepped for the annual shift of legislative activity, with the entire administrative machinery temporarily relocated. Both sides have outlined their plans, anticipating a combative session from the outset.
Opposition lines up key issues
The BJP–JD(S) alliance plans to corner the government on several fronts, including:
• Alleged lapses across departments
• Reports of mobile phones and illicit liquor in prisons
• Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s watch controversy
• The recent “chair fight” incident
• Delays in flood relief and the TB Dam water release row
• Demands of sugarcane farmers and the need for more procurement centres
• Insufficient grants for Kalyana Karnataka
• Long-pending concerns of North Karnataka
Gurmitkal JD(S) MLA Sharangouda Kandakur has already expressed displeasure, posting a WhatsApp status saying he welcomes the government delegation “with a heavy heart.”
Government readies its defence
The ruling party plans to counter by highlighting:
• Steps taken for sugarcane farmers
• Alleged fund discrimination by the Union Government
• Factional issues within the BJP
• Progress in state development works
• Priority to passing pending bills, including the Hate Speech Bill
CM reaches Belagavi ahead of schedule
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived a day early, flying to Hubballi and then travelling by helicopter to Nargund for a mass marriage programme before heading to Suvarna Soudha. He stayed overnight to review the final arrangements personally.
Tight security across the city
Following intelligence alerts linked to incidents in Delhi, Commissioner Bhushan Borase has placed Belagavi under heightened security. The city has been turned into a controlled zone with multiple checkpoints and increased surveillance. Dedicated protest areas at Suvarna Garden and Alarawad have been designated to prevent disturbances near the Soudha.
