Amid political turmoil, Karna monsoon session to begin Friday

The monsoon session of the Karnataka legislature will begin here Friday with the H D Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government on a sticky wicket following resignation of 16 of its MLAs.

The 11-day long session is likely to begin with both the assembly and council paying rich tributes to distinguished personalities of the state who died during the period when both Houses were in recess, including veteran actor, director and playwright Girish Karnad.

The spate of resignations pushing the coalition government to the brink of collapse is likely to cast a shadow on the proceedings, though it was expected that the opposition BJP would corner the government on a host of issues including drought management, the cabinets decision to sell 3,667 acres to JSW Steel at Ballari and the alleged IMA group ponzi scam.

With 16 of the ruling coalition MLAs resigning, the BJP has demanded Kumaraswamy's resignation, stating that his government has lost majority.

The BJP has even petitioned Governor Vajubhai Vala seeking his intervention.

With 16 resignations yet to be accepted, all eyes are now on the Speaker, who has said he will take a decision only after examining whether they are "voluntary and genuine."