Bengaluru: Session cut to 6 days, debate cut to 6 bills

BENGALURU: After several ministers, MLAs and officials tested positive for Covid-19, it was decided on Monday to curtail the 8-day monsoon session of the assembly to six days. About six of the 35 proposed bills will be discussed in the session, which will now end on September 26.
The business advisory panel of the assembly, comprising leaders of all parties, decided to extend the working hours.While the day’s business starts at 11 or 12am and goes on till 5-6pm, the House will now sit between 10am and 6-7pm.
Citing the growing spread of Covid-19 among members and staff of the assembly, and the increasing state tally, CM BS Yediyurappa prevailed over the opposition parties — Congress and JD(S) — to conclude the session early.
Parties agree to debate 6 bills
The ruling party and opposition agreed to debate only on six of 35 bills that will be tabled on Tuesday. “The government made a case citing that even Parliament and other state assemblies had taken similar decisions to truncate the session...,” opposition leader Siddaramaiah said.
Krishna Byregowda said three controversial bills need to be debated at length; another three need an explanation from the government. The rest can be passed without much cause for concern. The question hour has been a sticking point.“While the government wants to table its answers to questions posed by legislators, we feel there needs to be a discussion on them. This has not been resolved,” said Siddaramaiah.