Belagavi: The Karnataka Winter Session beginning Monday in Belagavi is set for an intense political confrontation, with the Opposition BJP–JD(S) and thousands of farmers preparing for large-scale protests targeting the ruling Congress government.
While the Opposition is finalising strategy to corner the government on price support issues, procurement lapses and administrative failures, farmers’ unions are simultaneously mobilising nearly 20,000 farmers for a massive march and “Suvarna Soudha Chalo” protest.
Farmers plan major siege; BJP to join agitation
Farmer groups from across the state are coordinating a large rally focused on demands including:
• Maize procurement,
• Sugarcane FRP/SAP issues,
• Establishment of procurement centres, and
• Tungabhadra dam crest-gate concerns.
The BJP has announced its support, stating that the government has failed farmers on multiple fronts.
HD Kumaraswamy advises BJP against no-confidence motion
The Opposition initially considered moving a no-confidence motion. However, JD(S) leader H. D. Kumaraswamy reportedly advised BJP leaders not to push the motion, arguing that it would “unite the ruling Congress” and weaken the Opposition’s impact. BJP leaders, after internal discussions, have decided to drop the no-trust plan for now.
This advice came during a strategy meeting in Bengaluru last week.
Opposition sharpens attack; Government finalises counter-plan
The BJP and JD(S) aim to highlight issues such as:
• Failure to open maize procurement centres,
• Delays in fixing sugarcane prices,
• Administrative lapses,
• Internal conflicts within the Congress government, and
• Alleged lack of development debate.
Meanwhile, the Congress has prepared a strong counter-strategy. Ministers plan to present detailed documents on:
• ₹1 lakh crore allocated for welfare programmes,
• Guarantee schemes implemented for women and vulnerable groups,
• Progress made in procurement and agriculture, and
• Central government’s responsibility in MSP implementation.
Congress leaders are expected to argue that the Centre must establish procurement centres if MSP is to be meaningful, and will accuse the Union Government of not supporting Karnataka farmers adequately.
Farmers’ anger adds pressure
Farmer resentment has been rising due to:
• “No fair price for maize”,
• “Difficulty in selling produce”,
• “Lack of timely procurement”, and
• “Sugarcane pricing uncertainty”.
These issues are likely to dominate the protests during the second day of the session on December 9, when the BJP is planning its largest mobilisation.
Congress anticipates aggressive confrontations
The ruling party expects:
• Verbal clashes over sugarcane pricing,
• Heated arguments on maize procurement,
• Repeat allegations about internal Congress disputes, and
• Renewed debates on guarantee scheme expenditure.
Congress sources say they have prepared “comprehensive documentation” to rebut all Opposition charges.
Session expected to be stormy
With Opposition unity, farmer anger, and political narratives sharpening from all sides, the Winter Session is expected to witness:
• High-voltage protests,
• Multiple walkouts,
• Aggressive debates, and
• A charged political atmosphere outside and inside the Suvarna Soudha.
The big question remains: Will development issues be discussed, or will the session be dominated by confrontation?
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಚಳಿಗಾಲ ಅಧಿವೇಶನದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಹಾಭೋರಾಟ: ವಿಪಕ್ಷ–ರೈತರು ಸುವರ್ಣ ಸೌಧ ಮುತ್ತಿಗೆಗೆ ಸಜ್ಜು; ಎಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕೆ ಸಲಹೆಯ ಬಳಿಕ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಅವಿಶ್ವಾಸದಿಂದ ಹಿಂದೆ
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