K'taka: Gehlot winds up speech in 2 lines, Guv violates Constitution: CM

Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot on Thursday confined his customary address to the state legislature to just two lines, In the third governor vs government face-off in two days in three non-BJP ruled southern states, the others being Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Gehlot walked out after his short address to the Legislative Assembly and Council, amid protest by ruling Congress members who also attempted to gherao him. The governor began the speech by greeting the CM, Assembly Speaker U T Khader, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, Leaders of Opposition, ministers and members. “I am happy to address one more joint session of the Karnataka legislature. My government is fully committed to double the speed of economic, social and physical development of the state. Jai Hind. Jai Karnataka,” he said in Hindi, before proceeding out.

VIDEO | Bengaluru: Sloganeering, jostling in Karnataka assembly as Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot leaves after short address.

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on concluded his customary address to the joint session of the state legislature after reading just two lines.… pic.twitter.com/sPU1vbL91F

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2026

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who accused the former of delivering his own speech rather than the government prepared one and also dubbed him a "puppet" of the Centre.Siddaramaiah also alleged that the former did not stick to constitutional mandates. “Every new year, the governor has to address the joint session and he has to read the speech prepared by the state cabinet. That is constitutional. Because, Article 176 of the Constitution and Article 163 say he or she — the Governor–shall read the speech prepared by the government or the cabinet,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in Bengaluru. “We are going to protest against the attitude of the governor. We are examining whether to approach the Supreme Court or not. We will let you know,” he added.

VIDEO | Bengaluru: On Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot delivering his customary address to the joint session of the state legislature, CM Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) says, "The Governor is required to address the joint session and read the speech prepared by the Cabinet.… pic.twitter.com/9WAdelXTEh

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 22, 2026

Congress members expressed strong displeasure over the governor walking away without reading the speech prepared by the government, and raised “Shame Shame” slogans on the floor of the House. While seemingly defending the governor, BJP members shouted “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.
Gehlot had on Wednesday refused to deliver the customary address, taking exception to certain references to the Centre “repealing” the UPA-era MGNREGA. A total of 11 paragraphs in the government prepared speech, which allegedly makes critical reference to the Centre and its policies, touching upon the MGNREGA and issues including devolution of funds seem to have irked the governor, who wanted them to be deleted. This was not acceptable to the government. A delegation led by minister K H Patil had met Gehlot in a bid to break the impasse.

(State Correspondent)