Opposition readies ammo to corner ruling BJP

BENGALURU: Opposition Congress and JD(S) are all set to take on the BS Yediyurappa government over the issue of flood relief in Karnataka, as both Houses of the state legislature will hold a three-day session starting Thursday. The Congress leadership has planned to move an adjournment motion to draw the attention of the House to the “urgent and important” issue of flood relief, sources in the party said. “Despite the state facing crisis after the massive deluge that damaged parts of Karnataka, the central and the state governments have not released the required funds for relief and compensation to the victims. Our party will hold the ruling party (BJP) accountable,” state Congress spokesperson VS Ugrappa told ET.

Meanwhile, putting an end to speculations, the Congress high command on Wednesday evening named former chief minister Siddaramaiah as the leader of Opposition. The party has appointed former minister SR Patil as the leader of Opposition in the legislative council.

The JD(S) has planned a protest rally from JP Bhavan to Freedom Park on Thursday. Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda and former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy will participate in the rally which JD(S) leaders expect about 5,000 party workers to attend. Party leaders are also said to have planned a protest at the Vidhana Soudha. The police, meanwhile, have stepped up security around the Vidhana Soudha. “Our party legislators will question the government on its failure to handle the flood relief work. We have understood that the ?1,200 crore compensation the Centre released recently was against the drought and flood damage that happened in Kodagu last year and that it was not for the recent floods. We are verifying the information. The issue will be taken up seriously,” JD(S) spokesperson Ramesh Babu said.


Both Opposition parties have decided to urge the government to extend the session by a few more days. Law minister JD Madhuswamy has said that discussions during the three-day session would be restricted to the state Budget.