The state government has decided to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Karnataka Legislature on June 18, Assembly Speaker K G Bopaiah said here on Tuesday.
Addressing the media after a meeting with Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, floor leaders of all the parties in the Legislative Assembly, Bopaiah described the occasion as an important milestone in the history of the state Legislature.
Listing out the programmes planned for the occasion, the Speaker said that a special function will be organised in the Assembly hall, which the Governor will preside over and former Supreme Court Chief Justice M N Venkatachalaiah will deliver a keynote address. Three living members of the first state Legislature - Madappa U M (Chamarajanagar), Mulka Govinda Reddy (Chitradurga) and T G Thimmegowda (Tiptur) - will be feted on the occasion.
Also, a comemmorative souvenir highlighting the rich traditions of the Karnataka Legislature and its contribution to parliamentary democracy will be released.
An exhibition of rare photographs will be held on the day of celebration.
All sitting legislators, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, former chief ministers and former Assembly Speakers will be invited for the event, he said.
Bopaiah said that the state government has extended all co-operation for the event.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister S Suresh Kumar, who was also present, said: “The event is being organised to draw inspiration from the elders who have made vital contributions for the development of the state.”
He pointed out that the joint session of the state Legislature was addressed by two Presidents, Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan and A P J Abdul Kalam; clippings of their speeches will be played.