Bengaluru, 12 July

Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the Karnataka legislature, has undergone a significant renovation in preparation for the upcoming 14th Legislative Assembly's fourth session scheduled to begin from 15 to 22 July.

Lawmakers entering the Vidhana Soudha will be welcomed by a brand new rosewood door instead of an iron one featuring intricate designs crafted by Mysuru artisans.

The entrance will also showcase a 'Down the memory lane' photo exhibition depicting the history of the building, including photos from the first Vidhan Soudha session held at Aatara House.

Speaking to Salar News, State Assembly Speaker UT Khader said, "To make Vidhana Soudha more appealing, we replaced the iron entrance door with a rosewood door featuring intricate designs by Mysuru artisans and a Gandaberunda clock.”

Gandaberunda is a State symbol, used by the Wadiyar rulers of Mysuru as a royal emblem.

The Speaker said that this session aims to boost member participation. He announced the implementation of an AI-powered attendance tracking system that will record the entry and exit times of members. "The AI cameras will note the number of times a member enters and exits, who arrives early and stays until the end of the session," he added.

To encourage early arrival and longer stays, legislators will be treated to a complimentary breakfast spread featuring popular South Indian dishes like ghee podi idlis, Davangere butter dosa and akki roti. The first 25 attendees will receive ceramic plates featuring State and national symbols.

The breakfast will be served to around 300 people, including 224 MLAs and 75 MLCs. Coinciding with World Chess Day on 20 July, a chess competition has been organised between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP in the House. -Salar News