Bangalore:  The first session of Karnataka legislature of the current year will commence with land scandals surrounding Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa set to dominate the 10-day proceedings begins today.
The Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) which has 27 members in the 225-strong assembly and 13 in the 75-member legislative council has fully setup to put forth the demand, urging Yeddyurappa’s resignation.
But the Congress, which has 71 members in the assembly and 17 in the council, has not gone with the decision of JD-S proceedings. However, it has planned to stage agitation within the two houses for Yeddyurappa’s disruption.
It has been said that, Yeddyurappa, is said to be the BJP’s first chief minister in south India, who is accused of favouring his sons and daughters with prime land in and around Bangalore. Although the increasing demand for his resignation forced give back the lands from his kin. In spite of this act, the two opposition parties have not been impressed and are firm on their demands.
The members of the JD-S wants to adopt the strategy that BJP did at the national level to stall the entire winter session of parliament, asking a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) enquiry into the 2G spectrum allocation scandal.
Previous year, Karnataka legislature set a record by meeting for only 31 days during the year. All political parties have, however, been talking of the need to meet at least 60 days in a year.
It was decided that, the first session of the New Year begins two days after the results of district polls held on Dec 26, Dec 31 and Jan 1, but the results have left all parties weakened in some way.
The BJP failed in capturing power in majority of the 30 zilla (district) and 176 taluk (sub-district) panchayats. However it emerged as the single largest party winning 12 zilla panchayats and 68 taluk panchayats as against its hopes of ruling at least 20 zilla panchayats and over 100 taluk panchayats.
The JD-S and the Congress won only four zilla panchayats each. In 10 zilla panchayats, no party got a clear majority but Congress and JD-S have won enough seats to rule in at least eight if come together.
The JD-S has already offered to join hands with the Congress to keep BJP away in these zilla panchayats. Congress is expected to decide in a day or two on the offer and if it joins hands with JD-S, then at least 16 of the 30 zila panchayats will be in their control.
CM Yeddyurappa on Tuesday appealed to Congress and JD-S not to interrupt the proceedings, which will be held to discuss all issues in the legislature.
But the JD-S cannot afford to decrease its aggressive stand. It said that it will go ahead with plan to stall the legislature proceedings even if the Congress decides against it.