Belagavi: Preparations for the ten-day Winter Legislative Session at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi have officially begun. Speaker U.T. Khader and Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti on Thursday inspected the venue and reviewed the arrangements in the presence of senior officials from Bengaluru.
As part of the preparatory visit, the Speaker held a high-level meeting with district officers to ensure that all logistical needs— including accommodation, food, transportation, and security— are fully in place for the Chief Minister, ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and staff attending the session. Facilities for various organizations to stage protests outside the Suvarna Soudha, along with adequate police deployment, have also been instructed.
Following the meeting, Khader and Horatti inspected the session halls, the Chief Minister’s chamber, ministerial offices, and administrative rooms to assess readiness ahead of the December 9 start date. The leaders later addressed a joint press conference to outline the arrangements.
Focus on Development, Not Separate Statehood
Speaking to the media, Speaker U.T. Khader clarified that this year’s session will provide space for discussions on the development of Akhanda Karnataka, with special emphasis on issues concerning North Karnataka.
However, he firmly ruled out any discussion on the demand for a separate North Karnataka state. “No such proposal has come before us, and raising separate statehood demands is not appropriate. The Belagavi Winter Session will not entertain such discussions,” he said, sending a clear message to Congress MLA Raju Kage, who recently reiterated support for the separate-state demand.
Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti also emphasized that both houses will function strictly according to legislative rules. “We will prioritize meaningful deliberations and will not allow any topic that disrupts the integrity of the proceedings,” he stated.
Aiming for a Meaningful Session
Officials noted that last year’s Belagavi Winter Session was conducted smoothly and meaningfully, and similar arrangements are underway this year as well. Several organizations will be permitted to hold peaceful protests, and ministers will receive petitions and grievances from representatives.
The ten-day Winter Session of the Karnataka Legislature will commence on December 9 at Belagavi’s Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.
