Bengaluru, January 22, 2026: In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Raj Bhavan and the Karnataka government, Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot refused to deliver the full Cabinet-approved speech during the joint session of the state legislature on Thursday, opting instead to read a short, self-prepared two-line address before abruptly leaving the House.
The incident, which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described as a “black day in the history of democracy” and a violation of constitutional norms, unfolded amid a special session convened by the Congress government to protest the Centre’s replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the Viksit Bharat – Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G Act.
The joint session, marking the start of the year’s legislative calendar, was expected to feature the Governor’s customary address outlining the government’s policies and priorities. However, Gehlot expressed reservations over 11 paragraphs in the prepared speech that sharply criticized the central government for introducing the new act, which the state views as detrimental to rural employment guarantees. He argued that these sections amounted to “government propaganda” and insisted on their removal.
Despite negotiations the previous day involving Law Minister H.K. Patil, Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, and Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, who met the Governor at Raj Bhavan to persuade him, no agreement was reached. The government agreed to drop two phrases—”the VB-G RAM G Act promotes corruption” and “it favors contractors”—but refused to excise the broader criticisms.
On Thursday, as the session began, Gehlot was escorted into the Vidhana Soudha by CM Siddaramaiah, Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, and Law Minister H.K. Patil. He read the introductory and concluding lines of the prepared speech, added brief comments of his own, and concluded the address in under two minutes, declaring the session open before walking out.
The Governor’s exit triggered immediate chaos. Congress MLCs, including S. Ravi and B.K. Hariprasad, attempted to stop him at the gate, urging him to return and complete the speech. Protests erupted in the House with slogans against the Governor, while opposition BJP members remained silent.
CM Siddaramaiah’s Reaction
Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the act, stating: “The Governor must address the joint session and read the Cabinet-prepared speech at the start of the year. This is a constitutional mandate. By reading his own prepared speech, he has violated Articles 176 and 163 of the Constitution. This is an insult to the people’s representatives and the House. We condemn it and will discuss filing a case in the Supreme Court.”
He accused the Governor of acting as a “puppet” of the central government, saying: “The central government is using the Governor to cover up its mistakes by having him read a different speech. This is unconstitutional. The Governor has failed in his duties.”
Siddaramaiah highlighted that the speech contained factual concerns about injustices to Karnataka, including issues with the 15th Finance Commission and the new act, which had already been raised with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He affirmed that the government’s fight to restore MGNREGA would continue until the new law is repealed.
Other Reactions
Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge questioned: “Who is violating Articles 176 and 163? The Governor’s office has become a BJP office? The speech contains only truths—no lies—yet he refuses to read it. If he has no concern for Karnataka’s people, he is free to go anywhere.”
Law Minister H.K. Patil echoed: “This is a black day in democratic history. The Governor, who should protect the Constitution, has failed in his duties. He must speak to the joint session. He has insulted the Constitution. We will take appropriate decisions.”
Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader downplayed any “conflict” between the Governor and government, stating constitutional institutions work in harmony and the Governor must uphold norms.
Governor’s Stance
The Raj Bhavan has not issued a formal statement, but sources indicate Gehlot viewed the critical paragraphs as politically motivated and not suitable for the Governor’s address.
Historical Context
This is not the first such incident in Karnataka. In 1996–99, during J.H. Patel’s tenure, Governor Khurshid Alam Khan read only the first and last paragraphs. In 2008–11, under B.S. Yediyurappa, Governor H.R. Bhardwaj concluded the address in two minutes.
Similar governor-government tussles have occurred in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal over bill approvals, vice-chancellor appointments, and speech content. Just two days ago, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi walked out over the national anthem issue, and Kerala’s Governor skipped parts of the speech.
The government distributed copies of the full prepared speech to all MLAs and MLCs. With the session ongoing until January 31, further protests and legal consultations are expected as the Congress vows to challenge the Governor’s actions.
