A major political controversy erupted in Karnataka on Monday after Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot refused to read out the customary address prepared by the Congress-led state government during the joint session of the Legislature. The unprecedented move triggered sharp protests from ruling party legislators, disrupting proceedings in both Houses.
As the Governor deviated from the prepared speech, Congress MLAs and MLCs staged vocal protests, accusing him of acting at the behest of the Centre and undermining democratic conventions. Several members entered the well of the House, raising slogans and demanding respect for the mandate of the elected government.
State ministers later described the Governor’s action as a violation of constitutional norms, asserting that the Governor is bound to deliver the address approved by the Council of Ministers. “This sets a dangerous precedent and strikes at the federal spirit,” a senior Congress leader said.
The opposition BJP, however, defended the Governor, arguing that he was within his अधिकार to express reservations over certain policy statements in the speech.
The incident has further intensified tensions between Raj Bhavan and the state government, with constitutional experts warning that repeated confrontations could hamper smooth governance in the state.
