Winter session ends with long debates, thin outcomes | Bengaluru News

Belagavi: The annual winter session of the legislature, which concluded Friday, came in for criticism from across the political spectrum, with legislators and experts pointing to limited outcomes despite prolonged debates, especially on issues related to North Karnataka. The two-week session witnessed extended discussions, including a nearly 21-hour debate on regional imbalance and development in North Karnataka. However, attendance remained a concern, with several MLAs — including those from northern districts — absent during crucial sittings. Opposition parties flagged low participation and frequent ministerial absenteeism as key shortcomings. “Debates went on for hours, but many ministers were not present to give clear answers. This defeats the very purpose of a legislature session,” said Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, MLA. HD Revanna of JD(S) said questions related to irrigation projects and farmer distress “remained unanswered even after repeated reminders”. A Congress MLA from North Karnataka conceded that attendance could have been better. “Some members could have been more regular, but the discussion on backwardness did bring attention to long-pending issues of the region,” he said. Opposition members alleged ministers were poorly prepared and failed to offer substantive replies on unemployment, delayed irrigation works and utilisation of funds under welfare schemes. “Questions are being taken up, but replies are evasive or deferred. People expect accountability from the govt,” said CT Ravi, BJP MLC. Ministerial absence was repeatedly raised in the House, with opposition members arguing that the lack of key portfolio holders disrupted debates and delayed responses. Responding to the criticism, a senior minister said the govt had participated extensively in discussions. “Absence on a particular day should not be seen as a lack of commitment,” he said. The session also saw political activity centred on the ongoing tussle for the CM post, often overshadowing discussions. Statements and late-night dinner meetings involving chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar drew attention, with the opposition often ridiculing both and distracting the House from legislative business. Political analyst Vishwas Shetty said there was a clear “gap between discussion and delivery”. “Long speeches dominated proceedings, while scrutiny of development projects and follow-up mechanisms got limited attention,” he said. Procedural delays and repetitive interventions consumed considerable House time, leaving policy proposals either deferred or inadequately examined. “Efficiency is as important as debate. Otherwise, legislative sessions risk becoming symbolic,” constitutional expert Prof Ramesh Kumar said. On Thursday, the state cabinet approved a Rs 3,500-crore package for North Karnataka’s development. But opposition members noted that the package did not feature prominently in the chief minister’s concluding reply Friday. For legislators from North Karnataka, the session ended with mixed expectations. “People were looking for clear timelines and firm commitments. That clarity is still missing,” said Aravind Bellad, deputy opposition leader and Hubli-Dharwad West MLA.