Bengaluru, 12 August (H.S.):

The Karnataka legislature’s Monsoon Session to begin on Thursday amid mounting political and administrative challenges for the Congress government, with the Opposition preparing to corner the ruling dispensation on issues ranging from the Cauvery water dispute to the proposed Bidadi Township Project and alleged irregularities in recruitment.

The opening day coincides with a Karnataka bandh called by a section of Kannada organisations opposing the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The issue is expected to dominate proceedings after the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water a day, potentially intensifying protests and political pressure on the government.

The session will also be a significant test for Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who will face the legislature for the first time as Leader of the House. His handling of the Opposition offensive will be closely watched as he makes the transition from Congress strategist to the government’s principal floor leader.

The BJP and JD(S) are expected to mount a coordinated attack on several fronts. The proposed Bidadi Township Project has emerged as a major flashpoint, with both parties opposing the land acquisition plan and accusing the government of disregarding farmers’ concerns.

Allegations of irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment are also likely to figure prominently in the debate, with the Opposition expected to demand accountability and greater transparency.

The government could additionally face questions over drought management, delays in allocation of portfolios and continuing signs of dissent within the Congress.

Opposition parties are seeking to bring these issues together to portray the government as struggling with administrative drift and internal divisions.

With the Cauvery dispute providing an emotionally charged backdrop outside the legislature and governance controversies awaiting it inside, the Monsoon Session is expected to begin on a confrontational note, presenting Shivakumar and his government with one of their first major legislative tests.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman