The Karnataka legislature session begins in Bangalore on Thursday amid indications by the Opposition that it is likely to stall proceedings, demanding resignation of the B. S. Yeddyurappa-led government over alleged land scams and other corruption charges.
The government has been under constant attack in the past few months from the Congress and the JDS on alleged land scams and acts of nepotism involving the Chief Minister.
The JDS, which led the attack releasing ‘documents’ to back its charges, has declared it would emulate in the legislature what BJP did in Parliament on the 2G spectrum row till Mr. Yeddyurappa quits.
The Congress has also indicated it would not be a smooth affair for the ruling party on the floor of the house as the party would continue its agitation.
Mr. Yeddyurappa on Wednesday urged the Opposition to facilitate smooth functioning of both Houses and said his government was ready for a debate on all issues.
The government is expected to counter the Opposition onslaught by taking shelter under its decision to hold a judicial probe into the matter.
The government will have to face opposition ire on the Karnataka Industrial Area Development land scams, over which the Lokayukta has already filed a FIR against 11 people, including former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu and his corporator son Jagadish. Mr. Naidu had to demit office after the FIR.
Other issues likely to be debated include the ‘tardy progress’ in rehabilitating flood-affected persons in parts of north Karnataka and alleged income tax evasion by Tourism Minister G. Janardhana Reddy-owned mining company and the issue of illegal mining.
Meanwhile the government is gearing up to press for action against Congress and JDS MLAs for their unruly behaviour during the Speaker’s election on December 30, 2009, which has been established by a house committee report.
The outcome of the just concluded zilla and taluk panchayat polls would be a major weapon in the armoury of the ruling side to counter the opposition, which put up a dismal show.
On the opening day, Governor H. R. Bhardwaj will address the joint sitting. On January 7, the proceedings will be devoted to obituary reference.