Belagavi session: Was it worth the huge spend?

Belagavi: The winter session of the state legislature concluded  on Friday amidst accusations from the opposition that it had failed to hold any worthwhile discussion on  issues concerning North-Karnataka, defeating the very purpose of holding it in Belagavi . 

The proceedings of both Houses ended in commotion with the BJP accusing Congress leaders  of involvement in the killing of their party workers in the state. While the Assembly was adjourned sine die  by noon, the pandemonium continued in the legislative council as opposition members demanded the resignation of Ministers Vinay Kulkarni and K J George, accusing them of involvement in the murder of BJP leader,  Yogish Gouda of Dharwad.

Later,  BJP members like Mahantesh Kavagatimath and Basangouda Patil Yatnal regretted that none of the major issues concerning North-Karnataka were discussed during the session. 

"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is unwilling to provide the region separate grants although a major portion of it remains undeveloped. After neglecting it for the last four years, the government announced funds for it only when the assembly elections are round the corner,'' Mr Kavatagimath charged.

However, a Minister called the session  highly successful and recalled  that the Chief Minister had listed the developmental work taken up in North-Karnataka in his reply to both Houses. MLA Ganesh Hukkeri too endorsed Mr Siddaramaiah's stand on the region, claiming the session had not only met the expectations of its people, but also placed  emphasis on the overall development of the state. Several pending crucial bills were passed as well, he pointed out.