Indications of state govt curtailing Karnataka Budget session? Speaker says decision only after talks with Oppn

Speaker UT Khader said any such decision will be taken after discussing with the Opposition. Speaking to reporters later, Labour Minister Santosh Lad admitted that there were indications the session might be curtailed.

Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka on Monday urged Speaker UT Khader not to allow curtailment of the ongoing Budget session of the Karnataka Assembly amid such indications in the wake of bypolls at Bagalkot and Davangere South constituencies.

Ashoka said this when he found that neither Chief Minister Siddaramaiah nor his deputy DK Shviakumar were in the House. "We wanted to discuss Bengaluru's issues, but no one is here. What should we do?" he said.

Khader replied, "Let them come, the matter can be taken up after that."

To this, Ashoka said he has "doubts" about them showing up. "There are indications the government may curtail the session. Please don't allow it to happen," he said.

Khader said any such decision will be taken after discussing with the Opposition. "There's no need for any discussion. Let the session go on as per schedule," Ashoka said.

As per schedule, the Budget session will end on March 27.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is slated to reply to the discussion on the 2026-27 Budget on March 25.

Speaking to reporters, Labour Minister Santosh Lad admitted that there were indications the session might be curtailed.

"The legislature session has been on for three weeks. Despite holidays in between, the session has been held for the minimum number of days. I don't have complete information about what the opposition, the Chief Minister and the Speaker will decide. But such indications are there," Lad said.

Bagalkot and Davangere South have bypolls on April 9.

On Monday, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar visited both constituencies to accompany Congress candidates who filed their nominations.