Cauvery row, Bidadi project set to dominate Karnataka monsoon session

Bengaluru, August 12

The Karnataka legislature’s Monsoon Session is set for a stormy start on Thursday, with the Congress government facing an Opposition offensive over the Cauvery water dispute, the proposed Bidadi Township Project, recruitment controversies and a range of governance issues.

The session begins against the backdrop of a Karnataka bandh called by a section of Kannada organisations protesting the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s direction to Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water a day is expected to sharpen the political confrontation both inside and outside the legislature.

The issue could provide the BJP and JD(S) with fresh ammunition to target the government at a time when water availability and farmers’ concerns have become politically sensitive.

The session will also mark an important 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’s coordinated attack will be closely watched as he settles into his new administrative and legislative role.

Another major issue expected to dominate proceedings is the proposed Bidadi Township Project. The BJP and JD(S) have joined forces against the project, particularly over the proposed acquisition of land. The Opposition is expected to argue that the plan could adversely affect farmers and local landowners.

Allegations of irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment are also likely to be raised, with demands for greater transparency and accountability in the selection process.

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

The Opposition is expected to combine these issues into a broader attack on the government’s administrative record.

With the Cauvery dispute adding an emotive dimension to an already crowded political agenda, the Monsoon Session is likely to witness heated exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches from the opening day.