Karnataka BAC to Decide Agenda, Duration of Special Legislature Session

Bengaluru, Sept 20: The crucial Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting of the Karnataka Legislature is scheduled to be held at 10 am on Monday to finalise the agenda and duration of the upcoming special session.

The meeting, chaired by the Speaker, is expected to witness discussions between the ruling party and the Opposition over the issues to be taken up and the number of days allotted for the session.

Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses and other BAC members are expected to attend the meeting.

The government has indicated that the special session will primarily focus on the Kasturirangan report and related issues. However, the Opposition is demanding adequate time to discuss other pressing matters, particularly the drought situation in the state.

Opposition members are likely to seek an extension of the proposed three-day session, arguing that the drought situation requires a detailed debate. They are expected to point out that 124 taluks have already been declared drought-hit and demand that the remaining 53 taluks also be considered.

The Opposition is also likely to seek sufficient time to discuss the government's response to the drought crisis. Its demand for extending the session by another seven days could emerge as a major point of contention during the BAC meeting.

The government, meanwhile, is understood to be reluctant to substantially extend the session amid concerns that the Opposition may raise several other issues and disrupt proceedings.

The BAC meeting is therefore expected to witness detailed discussions over the session's agenda and duration. A consensus in the committee would be important for the smooth conduct of the proceedings.

While the BAC will provide a platform for the government and Opposition to negotiate the session's programme, the Speaker's decision will ultimately determine the conduct and schedule of the House.