Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: The Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Business Advisory Committee has approved a proposal to increase the salaries of state legislators, a move likely to spark controversy. The decision comes ahead of the state’s Budget Session, which commenced on Monday.
The salary hike approval has raised eyebrows, especially since there was little resistance from the Congress or Janata Dal (Secular) when the previous BJP-led government increased MLA salaries in February 2022.
Budget Session and Key Announcements
CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that he would present the state Budget on March 7.
“On March 3, the Assembly Session will begin. As it’s the first session of this year, the Governor’s address will be made. Discussion on the address will be held for three days. Then, on March 7, the Budget will be presented. After the discussion, I’ll speak at the end of March,” he stated.
The Business Advisory Committee will also decide the duration of the Assembly session.
“Although I have pain in my knee, I had meetings with several departments today. I came to Vidhana Soudha, leaders came, and they gave me their opinions. We’ll keep all their demands in mind and consider them accordingly. The state government is pro-farmers,” CM Siddaramaiah added.
BJP’s Protests and Accusations
As the Budget Session began, the BJP staged protests outside the Assembly, opposing rising prices of electricity, milk, and alleged corruption in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
BJP leader C.T. Ravi criticized the Congress government for increasing bills and taxes:
“Nearly 2 years have gone by. The Congress government has raised the bills from solar electricity to milk… Petrol and diesel prices in the state have increased because the state government increased the petrol cess… Everyone knows the law and order situation in the state,” he remarked.
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress government of disrespecting the Raj Bhavan and the Governor:
“The state Congress government is repeatedly insulting the Raj Bhavan. The Congress government, which repeatedly claims it believes in the Constitution and Babasaheb Ambedkar, is repeatedly insulting the Governor,” Vijayendra stated.
He further alleged that the government’s actions were motivated by the Governor’s sanction for prosecution against CM Siddaramaiah in the Mysuru MUDA scam:
“Since the Governor had given a sanction for prosecution against the CM in the Mysuru MUDA scam, probably the CM must be upset with the Governor. Hence they are repeatedly insulting the Governor, which is a constitutional post,” he added.
Key Issues Raised by the BJP:
- Rising prices of electricity, milk, and fuel.
- Allegations of corruption in the MUDA scam.
- Alleged disrespect towards the Governor and Raj Bhavan.
The BJP’s protests and accusations highlight the escalating tension between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP as the Budget Session unfolds.
Outlook:
With the March 7 Budget presentation approaching, the Karnataka Assembly is set for heated debates, especially over the salary hike for MLAs, the rising cost of living, and corruption allegations. The stance taken by the BJP suggests a combative session ahead.