Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made a symbolic gesture on Thursday as he entered the state Legislative Assembly for the first time since taking charge as Chief Minister, bowing respectfully at the threshold of the Assembly and then before the Chief Minister’s chair.
Shivakumar said the gesture was a mark of respect for democracy and the people of Karnataka. He said he was taking his first step into the House as Chief Minister with the blessings of the people of the state and by bowing before the ideals of democracy.
The 10-day Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature began on August 13 and is scheduled to continue until August 27. Shivakumar also greeted Opposition leaders R. Ashoka and Arvind Bellad as he entered the House.
The session is expected to witness heated discussions on several major issues, including drought management, the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, the GBIT land acquisition project and demands for the resignation of Minister B. Nagendra. The House is also expected to take up the election of a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
The Assembly session comes amid heightened political activity in the state. Shivakumar had recently completed the allocation of portfolios to 19 newly inducted ministers, while retaining important departments including finance and law.
Meanwhile, the opening day coincided with a statewide bandh call over the Cauvery water dispute. Several Kannada organisations had opposed the direction to release water to Tamil Nadu, although a number of groups subsequently withdrew their support for the shutdown after meeting Shivakumar. The Chief Minister welcomed the withdrawal of the bandh call.
The Karnataka government is likely to face a strong Opposition offensive during the session, with the BJP and JD(S) expected to raise issues concerning governance, water management and other matters affecting the state.
