Bengaluru: Amid unprecedented security measures and sanctions, the eight-day monsoon session of the Karnataka legislature will begin on Monday in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, as several ministers and legislators have tested positive for the infection.
The session is likely to be stormy in the eyes of the opposition to oust the BS Yeddyurappa-led BJP government, including the management of an epidemic affecting more than 5.11 lakh people in the state. The prime opposition Congress has also decided to raise issues such as DJ Halli violence, drug scandal, law and order situation and the state’s financial situation during the session, with Assembly Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri set to expire on 30 September. Compulsory for all members, officers, employees and journalists to undergo RT-PCR examination for COVID-10, seventy-twoHours before the start of the session.
Here the COVID negative certificate has been made compulsory for admission in both houses in the Legislative Assembly. According to the legislature secretariat, both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council meet at 11 am.
The session was to be convened before 23 September in view of the constitutional provision that the legislature would have to meet at least once in six months. The budget session was cut and in the wake of the coronovirus outbreak on 24 March, the state died due to 41 positive cases and one timely reported death.
As of September 19, the state has cumulatively confirmed 5,11,346 COVID-19 positive cases, including 7,922 deaths and 4,04,841 discharges. As part of preventive measures in the legislature, members’ seats are separated by a transparent shield. Attendees must wear a face shield and follow preventive measures of coronovirus.
While no public entry will be allowed, the press gallery has been moved to the second floor. Deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwath Narayan on Saturday joined the list of ministers who have tested positive for COVID-19. Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Food and Civil Supplies Minister K Gopalaiah were infected early last week.
Several legislators from both the Treasury and the opposition parties have also tested positive. There are 10 new bills, 19 ordinances and two bills pending from the previous session which are likely to be raised during the session. Pointing to this, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Siddaramaiah said that the scheduled time for the session would not be sufficient and needed to be pursued.
The senior Congress leader and former chief minister is likely to raise it during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting for Monday morning before the start of the session. The party has alleged corruption in the purchase of medical equipment, and is likely to raise the issue on which both the opposition and the ruling BJP have locked horns in the past.
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