The Opposition is likely to corner the government on issues like the murder of RSS and BJP workers.
The winter session of the Karnataka Legislature which will begin in this border city today, is expected to be stormy with the opposition likely to corner the government on various issues, including the murder of RSS and BJP workers and a minister allegedly watching sleazy pictures at a public function.
During the 10-day session till December 2, the dispute over Mahadayi river water sharing involving Maharashtra and Goa, as also Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) fixation for sugar cane crop, are likely to be raised.
A combative BJP is raring to put the government on the mat over a spate of murders of RSS/BJP workers in recent months in Karnataka, for which it has blamed "Jihadi forces" while accusing the ruling dispensation of not doing enough to bring the culprits to book as part of its "vote bank politics".
The government has fixed FRP between Rs 2,300 and Rs 3,050 a tonne based on the recovery ranging from 9.5 per cent to 12.5 per cent for 2016-17, while farmers have demanded a minimum of Rs 3,000 per tonne.
Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti under the leadership of its MLAs and Mayor of Belagavi observing "black day" on Karnataka Rajyotsava (the state formation day) on November one is also likely to come up for discussion as a few pro-Kannada organisations and parties have demanded their suspension. MES has been fighting for the merger of Belgavi and some other areas bordering Maharashtra, with the neighbouring state.
The Opposition is likely to mount pressure on the government to sack Education Minister Tanvir Sait for allegedly watching sleazy pictures at a public function at Raichur in north Karnataka recently during the "Tipu Jayanti" celebrations in commemoration of the 18th-century ruler of erstwhile Mysore kingdom.
In an apparent bid to give a clean chit, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said "prima facie" he did not feel that his colleague has committed any "mistake", while the minister has denied any wrong doing on his part.
Speaker K B Koliwad told reporters here that amendments will be brought to house procedures, under which adjournment motion can be brought only in the afternoon sitting while the morning sitting will be restricted to Question Hour and Zero Hour.
It is likely to be tabled today.
He also said MLAs will hereafter have to sign attendance register both in the morning and afternoon sitting.
Bills likely to be tabled in the session include Karnataka Ayurveda Treatment Norms and Karnataka State Universities (amendment) Bill 2016.
Two private member bills are also likely to come up.
The Speaker also said Assembly secretariat will not make any vehicle arrangement for MLAs during the session. Instead, Rs 4,000 per day will be given as vehicle allowance to those travelling for the session from Belagavi and Rs 5,000 per day for those travelling from Hubballi.