Karnataka legislature's first session in 2021 to begin tomorrow with Guv address

first session of Karnataka Legislature in New Year, beginning on Thursday, is likely to be stormy as opposition parties are likely to corner BJP government in state, which is alrey battling resentment within after recent cabinet rejig, on a host of issues. seven-day long session will begin with Goverr Vajubhai Vala delivering customary dress to joint sitting of state legislature, and it is scheduled to conclude on February 5.

This will be first session after Chief Minister Yediyurappa expanded his cabinet by inducting seven new ministers and reallocated portfolios among certain ministers.Public expression of displeasure by some BJP legislators about functioning of government is expected to provide eugh ammunition to opposition parties that are planning to corner ruling party on its handling of COVID crisis, providing relief to flood affected, and state's ecomy.

ongoing agitation by farmers against certain farm sector related laws and lack of funds towards developmental activities are also likely to gain prominence during session. contentious anti-cow slaughter legislation is once again expected to come to fore with a bill to this effect that was passed by legislative assembly yet to be taken up in legislative council.

However, state government has alrey promulgated Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Ordinance that provides for punishment on killing of cattle and offers protection to those "acting in good faith" to save m, to give effect to a bill that is pending.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday ahe of session, Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kri said new bills listed by government along with those that were pending during previous session will be taken up for consideration and pass.

Also, government has promulgated three ordinances so far and bills replacing m will be tabled during session, he said.

All necessary COVID-related guidelines and safety measures that were in place during previous session will be followed during this session too, he ded.

session comes at a time when re is strong resentment from aspirants within BJP following Yediyurappa inducting seven new ministers into his cabinet and also regarding reallocation of portfolios among some ministers that underwent at least four rounds of changes, under pressure and threats of resignation.

Opposition parties are likely to latch on to open criticism of government by some legislators, with likes of Vijayapura City MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal and MLC A H Vishwanath personally attacking Chief Minister on his style of functioning, accusing him of making certain people ministers under threat of blackmail and also his son B Y Vijayendra's alleged interference in ministration.

election for post of Chairman and Deputy Chairman of legislative council are also likely to take place during session.

re are all indications that incumbent Chairman K Pratapachandra Shetty, who is from Congress, may resign soon, as ruling BJP has moved a -confidence motion against him which is likely to be supported by JD (S).

post of Deputy Chairman has fallen vacant following alleged death by suicide of S L Dharme Gowda from JD(S) last month.

With leers of both parties holding talks, re are all indications that BJP and JD(S) are likely to join hands for post of Council Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

earlier move by both parties in December to remove Shetty as Chairman was t successful as ir tice of -confidence was rejected on technical grounds.

House h witnessed high drama that day with BJP-JDS and Congress members hurling abuses and pushing each or.

Amid ruckus on December 15, n Deputy Chairman Dharme Gowda was even pulled down from Chair.

Currently ruling BJP is single largest party in Council with 31 seats, followed by Congress with 29 seats including chairman, JD(S) 13, one independent and one vacant (due to death of Dharme Gowda).