Belagavi: Preparations for the Karnataka Legislature Winter Session, set to take place from December 8 to 19 at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS), are in full swing. The district administration has pegged this year’s expenditure at ₹20 crore, up from ₹15.30 crore last year.
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Higher Budget Due to Security & Accommodation Needs
Officials attributed the cost increase to:
- Strengthened security measures
- Additional facilities for police personnel
- Increased expenses for food and accommodation
To meet accommodation demands, 2,227 rooms have been reserved across 88 hotels in Belagavi and nearby areas. Newly opened star hotels are also part of the allocation. Hotel owners have requested a 10% hike in room tariffs, which is under consideration by Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan.
Security Tightened Amid Farmer Protests
With various farmer groups, including the Karnataka Rajya Raita Sangha, planning large-scale protests over pending demands, authorities have enhanced security around the SVS.
Last year’s Winter Session witnessed tense moments, including:
- A violent turn in the Panchamasali Lingayat reservation protest
- A lathi charge
- The arrest of MLC C.T. Ravi for allegedly using unparliamentary language
Learning from these incidents, police have fortified all entry points to the SVS and planned stricter crowd-control measures.
Designated Protest Zones Set Up
To manage protest gatherings, the administration has earmarked protest sites in:
- Halaga
- Bastwad
- Kondaskop
These farmlands will serve as official agitation zones, and farmers have been asked to clear the areas before the session. Drinking water, toilets, and other basic amenities will be provided at these locations.
Smooth Session is the Priority
Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan said that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth and safe Winter Session. “Designated locations have been identified for agitations, and essential facilities will be provided,” he said.
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