Karnataka Governor Abruptly Walks Out of Assembly Amid Tiff Over Critique of Centre's Policies

Image Source: Internet

In a dramatic turn of events, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot stormed out of the state assembly on Thursday, after reading just two lines of his address to the joint session. The governor's decision to curtail his speech was met with strong disapproval from the Congress-led state government, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accusing him of violating the Constitution. The standoff began when Gehlot refused to deliver the government-prepared speech, citing 11 paragraphs that allegedly criticized the Centre's policies, including the repeal of MGNREGA and issues related to devolution of funds. The governor wanted those paragraphs to be deleted, but the state government refused to make any changes. On Thursday, Gehlot began his address, but quickly cut it short, saying that his government was committed to doubling the economic, social, and physical development of the state. However, his decision to abandon the speech was met with dismay from Congress members, who chanted 'Shame, Shame' on the House floor. Siddaramaiah condemned the governor's move, saying that he had not discharged his duties as per the Constitution. The chief minister also alleged that the governor was acting like a puppet of the central government. The state government has vowed to protest against the governor's attitude and may even move the Supreme Court. This is not the first time a governor has clashed with a state government over a speech. Similar standoffs have been witnessed in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where governors have been accused of making omissions and modifications to the customary opening address. The controversy has raised questions about the role of governors in state legislatures and whether they are acting as impartial constitutional heads or as agents of the central government.