Scary session likely for BJP

With former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa continuing his campaign to regain the chief minister’s post, the 12-day state legislature session, starting on January 30, is likely to be tumultuous for the BJP.

Ministers Murugesh R Nirani and MP Renukacharya have pledged their loyalty to Yeddyurappa. This may land the government in trouble during the session as the Congress and JD(S) are keen to exploit the fissures within the ruling party.

The statements of Yeddyurappa’s supporters hinting at major changes in state politics after January sound ominous with speculations of Yeddyurappa floating a new party soon.

Meanwhile, chief minister Sadananda Gowda has chosen not to convene the BJP legislature party meeting before the legislature session.

The party leadership fears that Yeddyurappa loyalists will rake up the leadership issue in the meeting if it is convened under the present circumstances.

Speaker KG Bopaiah said the bills that will come up for review during the session include the Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2007.

The Sahyadri Heritage Development Authority Bill, 2011, as well as Karnataka Janapada Vishwavidyalaya Bill, 2011, which have already been introduced, would also be tabled.

In addition, the Karnataka Municipalities and Certain other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2011, would be introduced.

The session would begin with an address to both houses by governor HR Bhardwaj.