Belagavi, Dec. 8 -- As Karnataka's legislature prepares to convene in Belagavi for a ten-day winter session beginning Monday, the leadership tussle between chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar is expected to draw focus along with farmers' grievances and the tabling of 21 new bills.

Speaking ahead of the session, Siddaramaiah insisted the government was prepared for any challenge from the opposition. "Let them bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," he said, with Shivakumar by his side.

Opposition leaders, however, have signalled that no such move is imminent. BJP state p...