It will be against the backdrop of discord between Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy that the Legislative Assembly will be convened on January 24.
Though the press communiqué issued by Secretary to the Legislative Assembly A. Vincent Rayer only mentions the convening of the Assembly at 11 a.m. on January 24, the session in most likelihood would last only a couple of days, it is reliably learnt.
As per the rules, the Assembly has to be convened once in six months. And, as per the customary practice, the first session of the year would begin with the address of the Lieutenant Governor. However, in the context of the growing hostility between the constitutional heads, the practice could be given a go-by.
Highly placed sources told The Hindu that the government would like to take up a discussion on the prevailing drought and approach the Union Government for assistance.
But the recent open spat between the ruling Congress and Lieutenant Governor could find an echo in the proceedings with the Opposition parties, especially the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, raking up the issue.
The AIADMK has already demanded an extended session of the Assembly to discuss the administrative “paralysis” as a fallout of the differences of opinion between the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister.
The AINRC, while yet to openly make its stand clear, is expected to raise the issue along with the AIADMK.
