Karnataka Governor Walks Out of Assembly, CM Accuses Him of Constitutional Breach

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Raj Bhavan and the State Government, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot abruptly concluded his customary address to the joint session of the legislature on January 22, 2026, after reading just two lines. The Governor, who had objected to 11 paragraphs in the Cabinet-approved speech—particularly those criticizing the Centre’s replacement of MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Act—delivered a brief self-prepared statement instead and walked out of Vidhana Soudha. This move triggered immediate uproar in the Assembly, with slogans raised and strong condemnation from ruling Congress members.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah slammed the action as a clear violation of constitutional provisions under Articles 176 and 163, which mandate that the Governor read the speech prepared by the state cabinet. “The Governor has not discharged his duties as per the Constitution. He acted like a puppet in the hands of the central government,” Siddaramaiah told reporters. He described the incident as an insult to the legislature and announced that the government would protest the Governor’s attitude while examining options, including approaching the Supreme Court for redressal.

The controversy stems from the government’s draft speech, which included sharp references to the Union government’s policies on rural employment schemes like MGNREGA, accusing them of being anti-democratic and ignoring public demands. Governor Gehlot had expressed reservations on Wednesday, refusing to deliver the address unless those portions were deleted, leading to a last-minute impasse. Despite efforts by a government delegation to resolve the matter, the standoff persisted into the session’s opening day.

Also Read: Bengaluru Airport Staffer Arrested for Harassing South Korean Passenger

This episode highlights ongoing friction between opposition-ruled states and governors appointed by the Centre, with similar rows reported in states like Kerala recently. The Karnataka government has termed it a “black day” for democracy, while the opposition BJP has accused the Congress administration of unconstitutional behavior. The joint session, intended to outline policy priorities ahead of the budget, now faces uncertainty amid the political storm.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, with calls for clarity on the Governor’s role in legislative proceedings and potential legal recourse to uphold constitutional norms.

Also Read: #JustIn: Meitei Man Abducted and Executed in Churachandpur