The monsoon session of the legislature beginning on Thursday is expected to be a stormy one with the opposition Congress seeking to put the government on the mat on several issues.

Acquisition of farmers’ land for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and hi-tech townships, government’s handling of flood situation that hit several taluks in the State, simmering differences among the coalition partners and other issues are likely to come in handy for Congress leaders.

Meanwhile, the war of words, which has started between opposition Congress and JD (S) on the SEZ issue will enter with precincts of the House with both vowing to expose each other. A Congress source said the party will prove on the floor of the House its allegations that farmers’ lands was being indiscriminately acquired to favour land grabbers.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy has also “threatened” to release names of those who have grabbed government lands in and around Bangalore.

Encroachment
 The joint legislature committee headed by JD (S) MLA A T Ramaswamy has in its interim report said that 13,000 acres of government land worth Rs 27,000 crore has been encroached. Though the committee has not yet named any individual, the Congress appears to be jittery. The final report is likely to be tabled in the House.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Dharam Singh said the Congress would move a privilege motion against the government alleging that the latter had failed to fulfil the assurances given to both the Houses of the legislature on various issues during budget session.

He said the party will not allow the government to table any Bills until it get a satisfactory reply. The 19-day sitting would be debating and voting on demand for grants pertaining to 28 departments, during the session.
Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister B S Yediyurappa had sought a four-month vote on account budget ending July 31, when he presented his budget on March 16.