Belagavi winter session needs to focus on North Karnataka’s development: Locals demand action
Belagavi : As the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly draws closer, with only six days remaining, local residents of Belagavi have raised concerns about the significance of the session.
While the state government continues its annual tradition of holding the session in the region, many feel it has become a mere formality with no concrete outcomes. The people of Belagavi are calling for a session that truly addresses the region’s long-standing developmental issues rather than a political ritual.
The history of holding the winter session in Belagavi dates back to 2006 when the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute was at its peak. In response, then-Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy took a bold step by holding the legislative session in Belagavi, bringing the government closer to the people and raising hopes for the development of North Karnataka.
Since then, Belagavi has hosted 12 such sessions. However, despite the optimism surrounding this move, locals feel that their expectations have not been met, and the session has become more about political showmanship than meaningful change.
From ‘hope’ to ‘disappointment’: Locals express frustration
Belagavi has been home to the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha, a building constructed at an estimated cost of ₹500 crore, inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee on October 11, 2012. The building was meant to serve as an alternative to Bengaluru’s Vidhana Soudha, hosting the winter sessions annually. Yet, despite being the site of the legislative session, the region has seen little tangible improvement in infrastructure, education, water supply, and other key areas.
Ashok Chandragi, a senior Kannada activist, expressed his disillusionment with the annual sessions. “The holding of the legislative session in Belagavi was meant to give voice to the long-standing issues of North Karnataka. We had hoped for a new direction for development, but unfortunately, it has turned into a mere political picnic. The absence of many key legislators during the sessions and the lack of real action has become a source of frustration for the people,” he said.
Political drama at the cost of North Karnataka’s problems
Critics have pointed out that the annual winter sessions not only lack substance but also cost the taxpayers significantly. For each session, the state government spends over ₹20 crore, including expenses for accommodation, meals, and transportation for legislators and officials.
However, this expenditure does not translate into any tangible benefit for the people of North Karnataka. The local residents argue that instead of addressing pressing issues like water scarcity, inadequate education facilities, and infrastructure deficits, the sessions are often consumed by political bickering, personal issues among legislators, and sensational debates.
“While the state spends millions on these sessions, the only beneficiaries are the hotel and transport industries. The real issues affecting the people of North Karnataka continue to be ignored,” said Chandragi.
Demand for a session that brings results
There is a growing call among locals for the winter session to focus solely on North Karnataka’s development. Activists and residents insist that the session should be used to discuss the region’s most urgent concerns — such as irrigation projects, education reforms, road and bridge construction, the implementation of the Mahadayi project, and the creation of IT and industrial hubs in the region.
Bhima Gada, an RTI activist, emphasized the need for meaningful debate during the session. “Every year, the speaker and other officials claim that the issues of North Karnataka will be addressed. But, as soon as the session starts, it turns into a circus with personal attacks, protests, and pointless debates. The precious time of the session is wasted, and we still don’t see any concrete outcomes,” he lamented.
A call for action: Locals demand accountability
Activists have also demanded that the state government provide a detailed report on the outcomes of the previous winter sessions. “The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister should demonstrate political will and present a report on the actions taken regarding the development of North Karnataka.
It is high time that they stop using Belagavi’s legislative sessions as a political tool and start focusing on the region’s progress,” said Chandragi. Residents of Belagavi and surrounding areas are firm in their belief that the purpose of these sessions should not be for political theater but to focus on real issues facing North Karnataka.
They argue that only when the session’s debates are centered on meaningful topics and the government shows real commitment to implementing decisions will the Belagavi winter session be considered a success.
In conclusion, while the Suvarna Vidhan Soudha stands as a symbol of the government’s intention to bring governance closer to the people of North Karnataka, it is clear that without a clear focus on the region’s pressing developmental needs, the session will remain a missed opportunity for real change.
