Political storm in Karnataka as Guv walks out of House after reading only 2 lines of speech | WATCH

Bengaluru: Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Thursday cut short his customary address to the joint session of the state legislature after reading just two lines, sparking protests from Congress leaders and intensifying the standoff between Raj Bhavan and the state government.

After greeting members of the House, the Governor said he was pleased to address the session and read out: “My government is committed to doubling the economic, social and physical development of the state. Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka.” He then ended the speech and left the House, prompting Congress MLAs to raise “Shame, shame” slogans on the floor.

The dramatic moment followed Gehlot’s refusal on Wednesday to deliver the full government-prepared address, which traditionally outlines the state’s policies and priorities. Sources said the Governor objected to several portions of the draft speech that reportedly criticised the Centre, including references to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and issues related to devolution of funds, and sought their deletion.

Earlier in the day, Gehlot was received at the steps of the legislature complex by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Assembly Speaker U T Khader, Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti and Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil.

A delegation led by Patil, along with Advocate General K Shashi Kiran Shetty and the Chief Minister’s legal adviser A S Ponna, had met the Governor on Wednesday evening in an effort to resolve the impasse.

The episode marks the latest flashpoint in a growing pattern of Governor-versus-government confrontations in non-BJP-ruled states, with the ruling Congress accusing the Governor of undermining constitutional conventions.

Reacting strongly, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge accused the Governor of violating constitutional norms and acting under political influence. “Who is violating article 176 and 163? All we have stated are facts in our governor's speech... There is not a single lie there, still the governor does not want to read it... Has the governor's office become the BJP office?” Kharge said.

He also hit out at BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashok, saying, “The BJP has no common sense... Do they talk about articles 176 and 163?”

Under Article 176 of the Constitution, the Governor addresses the House at the beginning of every session, while Article 163 mandates that the Governor acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.