Thursday’s joint legislative session in Karnataka descended into disorder as Governor Thawarchand Gehlot rejected the Congress government’s prepared address, opting for a mere handful of sentences. The abrupt end left legislators in disarray, with Congress demanding adherence to protocol and BJP backing the Governor’s stance.
This bold refusal amplifies preexisting rifts, highlighted by the Governor’s prior edits to the speech draft. Protests ensued instantly: Congress chants clashed with BJP’s praises, and MLC B.K. Hariprasad’s aggressive questioning forced security to escort the Governor out safely.
The Governor’s arrival had quelled earlier boycott fears, with ceremonial welcomes from CM Siddaramaiah and house leaders. Yet, his brevity—vowing commitment to development before signing off—sparked the melee.
In a fiery rebuttal, the CM accused the Governor of flouting Articles 176 and 163, undermining elected representatives. ‘This demands judicial scrutiny,’ he stated, contemplating Supreme Court intervention. Minister H.K. Patil had preemptively cautioned against such defiance.
The controversy stems from deleted paragraphs assailing Modi government’s programs on jobs and Viksit Bharat. Wednesday’s talks yielded no compromise, positioning this as a pivotal clash over gubernatorial powers versus state autonomy. Karnataka’s polity braces for prolonged turbulence.